ISRAEL INDICTS LIEBERMAN ON CHARGES OF BREACH OF TRUST AND FRAUD

Jerusalem, 19 Shafar 1434/ 01 January 2013 (Press Tv/MINA) – Israel has filed an indictment against former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on charges of breach of trust and fraud, according to PressTV reports received by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA), Tuesday.

Israel’s Justice Ministry announced the indictment at a court in Jerusalem [al-Quds] on Sunday. The fraud and breach of trust charges focused on Lieberman’s efforts to promote an Israeli envoy, after the diplomat relayed information to him about a criminal investigation into the former minister’s business dealings.

On December 13, Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein announced the charges against Lieberman, who served both as a member of Knesset (the Israeli parliament) and a minister.

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A day later, Lieberman announced his resignation, denying any wrongdoing.

“I have decided to resign my post as foreign minister and deputy prime minister and…also to remove my [parliamentary] immunity forthwith so I can end this matter quickly, without delay, and clear my name absolutely,” he said.

He, however, said he would fight the charges and that he hoped to settle the case before the January 22 elections, allowing him to run as a candidate.

“I have taken this decision from the conviction that the…[Israelis] will be able to go to the polls after this problem has been resolved,” he said.

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“That means the judiciary must give its verdict before the elections,” Lieberman said, adding, “I will then be able to serve….”

Lieberman has faced several investigations since 1996 on a number of fraud and corruption allegations, but had never been charged. (T/R-015/R-006).

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)