Region | Palestinian Territories
US millionaire testifies in Olmert bribery case
The key witness in the new corruption case against Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert testified in court on Tuesday.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:39 May 27, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- American businessman Morris Talansky arrives at the District court in Occupied Jerusalem.
Occupied Jerusalem: The key witness in the new corruption case against Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert testified in court on Tuesday.
Olmert is facing charges of illegally taking money from witness and US millionaire financier, Morris Talansky, who testified on behalf of the prosecution.
Talansky told the court he gave Olmert cash in envelopes but did not expect favours in return. "I didn't expect anything from the prime minister, and I didn't receive anything," Talansky said.
Talansky said he handed over sums, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 at a time, in Israel or during visits Olmert made to New York before becoming prime minister in 2006.
"I asked him why I couldn't write a check and he said it's because of the way the money is channelled. So I gave him cash, out of my own money. I would cash the (contribution) checks and give cash," Talansky said.
Police first questioned Olmert on the issue three weeks ago, and again on Friday.
Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and said he would resign if an indictment is filed against him.
More from Palestinian Territories
More from Region
News Editor's choice
-
Kuwait condemns Houla massacre
Arab League urged to put end to oppression of Syrian people
-
Road crashes main cause of child death in UAE
Death rate among children in car accidents in the UAE is three times higher than global average
-
Last minute ID rush is on
Expatriates in Dubai have thronged typing centres and Emirates ID registration offices to meet the May 31 registration deadline
