Israeli former PM Olmert begins serving prison sentence
Israel’s former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived on Monday at a prison to serve his 19month prison sentence, on charges of obstruction of justice and corruption.
Olmert, who became Israel’s first former head of government to be jailed, said in a video released by the local media outlets that he made mistakes and he would pay dearly, adding that no one is above the law.
The expremier left his residence in Motza town, adjacent to Jerusalem, in the morning to move to the Ma’asiyahu Prison, located in the outskirts of Tel Aviv, where other politicians have been imprisoned, including several ministers as well as former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, who was convicted of sexual offenses.
Olmert was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison last December for taking bribes over the Holyland affair, complex of luxury apartments in Jerusalem which was approved during his time as mayor between 1993 and 2003.
Last Wednesday, the judges added a month to his prison sentence for having tried to convince his secretary Shula Zaquen not to testify against him in one of his corruption trails.
The former prime minister, who succeeded Ariel Sharon and led Israel from 2006 to 2009, is still involved in two other cases, including the socalled Talansky case, in which he was convicted and sentenced to eight other months in prison.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court considers that Olmert’s stay in prison could see further extensions.
One of the main challenges facing the Israeli security bodies will be isolating the former official from any possible extortion attempts, and to guarantee that state’s secrets in Olmert’s possession are safe.
Unlike other prisoners, Olmert will not have contact with many of the inmates.
The 70yearold will be placed in the socalled Ward 10 or the “VIP wing” at the Ma’asiyahu Prison.
Prison officials told Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot that Olmert will receive a special security treatment to ensure that he cannot escape, and for other reasons as well.