MK Amsellem
צילום: גיל יוחנן
Knesset initiative wants former MK Blumenthal pardoned
Shas MK Chaim Amsellem sends letter to Acting President Dalia Itzik asking that former Likud MK's prison sentence be converted to community service due to her husband's death
A new Knesset initiative may see former Likud MK Naomi Blumenthal dodging her prison sentence.
Blumenthal was convicted of bribery and obstruction of justice and sentenced to eight months in prison. Her last appeal was denied in late March.
MK Chaim Amsellem (Shas) on Monday asked Acting President Dalia Itzik to convert Blumenthal's prison-time to community service following the recent death of her husband in late April.
"I am not belittling the gravity of her offense, but I believe that her tragic emotional condition merits considering her case 'beyond the letter of the law,'" wrote Amsellem.
The issue was also discussed during a Shas faction meeting at the Knesset Monday. Party chairman Eli Yishai said that the initiative was positive, but stressed that it should be discussed first with Shas' spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
