Former Israeli PM Olmert to be indicted on corruption charges

Former Israeli PM Olmert to be indicted on corruption charges

2011-03-15 00:49:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (BNO NEWS) -- Israeli prosecutors on Monday announced that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will be indicted on corruption, bribery, and other charges.

According to the Haaretz newspaper, the Tel Aviv District's prosecution accepted the police recommendation to indict Olmert and other suspects for their involvement in the Holyland corruption affair.

The indictment against the former Premier is pending hearing. Olmert allegedly participated in a bribery scheme involving the Holyland residence project in Jerusalem, promoted during his term as PM.

In addition, former Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski, and Olmert's former assistant Shula Zaken will be indicted as well for their participation in the Holyland case. Overall, 18 people will be indicted.

Hillel Charney, the Holyland project developer, allegedly promoted the approval of construction plans by paying bribes several elected officials and public workers in order to advance with the construction of the Jerusalem building project.

Olmert is accused of accepting over a million shekels ($281,000) in bribes from real estate developers in return fro support to the southern Jerusalem's Holyland residence project.

The former PM has denied his involvement in the bribery and corruption scheme claiming that "he never accepted bribes, neither directly nor indirectly," as indicated through a statement.

However, prosecutors claimed to have evidence against the former Premier and the other suspects in the case. The bribes were allegedly funneled through Olmert's office manager Zaken.

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