2 former justice ministers stand trial
JPost.com Staff, THE JERUSALEM POST Oct. 17, 2006
MK Tzahi Hanegbi "saw the nomination of Likud members for positions in the service of the state in a positive light," his lawyer said on Tuesday, responding to charges that he had inappropriately appointed members of the Likud to the Environment Ministry while serving as minister.
According to Hanegbi's lawyer, "he reasoned that there was nothing wrong with this action, provided that the professional appointment system in the Environment Ministry made its own professional considerations."
Hanegbi was one of two former justice ministers on trial on Tuesday, as the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court reviewed evidence in the case against Haim Ramon and heard the testimony of the young woman accusing him of sexual harassment.
Ramon resigned from his post as justice minister some three months ago after a female soldier who had worked in his office complained that he had tried by force to kiss her.
Meanwhile, Hanegbi's trial commenced in the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court with the reading of his indictment for fraud, breach of trust, election bribery, attempting to influence a voter, perjury and making a false oath.
The events referred to in the indictment occurred between March 7, 2001, and February 27, 2003, when Hanegbi served as minister of the environment. He was charged with appointing 49 workers to the Environment Ministry and another 20, 'who belonged to the Likud Central Committee or their relatives, and several others who were close to the minister personally,'to jobs in bodies connected to the ministry.
Hanegbi currently serves as chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
