Hazan. Returned what he 'didn't take'
Photo: Eli Cohen
MK caught on camera
MK Yehiel Hazan caught on video camera removing equipment from Knesset storeroom, which may be used as evidence against him in 'double voting' scandal. Hazan says he had permission to take equipment, claims accusations are 'untrue'
Knesset Member Yehiel Hazan was caught on camera removing equipment from a Knesset storeroom, Army Radio revealed on Tuesday.
The equipment Hazan took from the room may be used as evidence by prosecutors in a legal procedure that is currently being conducted against him on his involvement in a forged votes scandal two years ago.
In 2003, Hazan illegally voted twice on the approval of the national budget. Hazan later claimed that the double vote was the result of a defect in the electronic voting system used by the Knesset.
The voting mechanism at the Knesset was consequently replaced, in order to prevent dubious votes in the future, and the old equipment was placed at a storeroom.
However, Knesset security personal recently uncovered that some of the equipment has gone missing. An investigation into the matter has been launched, and ultimately revealed Hazan's involvement in the disappearance
Hazan meanwhile returned the equipment to Knesset Chairman Reuven Rivlin Tuesday.
'I am the victim of a witch hunt'
Hazan, who was confronted by reporters after the incident was revealed, initially claimed he did not take anything from the storeroom, but later changed his statement and explained he was authorized to do so.
"On November 9 I received permission to enter the storeroom accompanied by a Knesset official. I was told I can examine the voting panels, but that I needed a special permit to inspect other parts. I should stress that the voting system does not constitute evidence of the prosecution," Hazan explained.
"Claims that I obstructed procedures are untrue. This was all a misunderstanding," he added.
Hazan also claimed that the recent accusations represent part of the "slandering crusade and witch hunt" carried out against him.
Sources at the Knesset said that any charges against Hazan at this point would be premature. The parliament's spokesperson said that Hazan was indeed granted permission to inspect the voting panels, but that he apprently removed them after his escort, a member of the Knesset's guard, left the storeroom.
