Israel - In face of Holyland bribery affair, Olmert cuts short trip abroad


Former prime minister Ehud Olmert has decided to return to Israel early from his stay abroad, since he is wanted for questioning regarding the alleged bribery scheme in the "Holyland" residence project in Jerusalem, his spokesperson reported on Wednesday. 

Olmert's spokesperson, Amir Dan, said in a statement that "in light of recent announcements that are getting more and more frequent, the police are interested in questioning Olmert regarding his alleged involvement in the Holyland affair. Olmert has decided to cut short his pre-planned visit abroad, and return to Israel on Wednesday night." 

The statement also said that "Olmert denies any involvement in the affair, though he clearly said a week ago that he will agree to be questioned if the police wished to do so, so that is the reason for his return to Israel." 

"We have all seen how big headlines change over time when people start realizing the real facts," the statement added. 

The allegations involve bribes paid to obtain permits for a number of real estate projects, one of which has been identified as the highly controversial "Holyland" residence project in Jerusalem. The project, built on the site of the Holyland Hotel despite large-scale public protests, was undertaken during Olmert's decade-long tenure as mayor of Jerusalem. 

On Tuesday, prosecutors argued that Hillel Charney, who has emerged as one of the key alleged co-conspirators in the Holyland bribery scheme, paid millions of shekels to a yet unnamed senior public official over the course of eight years in exchange for that figure's help in advancing the controversial real estate deal. The identity of the senior official is protected by a gag order.

Haaretz

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