State files indictment against MK Hirchson
Former finance minister will be indicted on grave charges in coming weeks; including executive theft, fraud, breach of trust and money laundering
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz announced on Sunday his office has filed an indictment against MK Abraham Hirchson. Mazuz informed Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik as well as MK Hirchson's attorney of the move.
The former finance minister will be indicted on charges of grand larceny, aggravated fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and falsifying corporate documents.
According to the indictment Hirchson, while serving as chairman of the Histadrut Labor Federation between the years 1998-2005, conspired together with Ovadia Cohen to embezzle funds from both the labor group and the Nili educational organization.
During those years Hirchson is accused of having stolen over $1.1 million, some $727,000 of which he funneled into his private accounts.
The indictment asserts that checks issued for official business were cashed in and the money transferred directly to Hirchson, often via messengers.
Will Knesset offer immunity?
As a former elected official Hirchson is entitled by law to request the Knesset grant him immunity from being indicted. The request must be made within 30 days time of the accused receiving notice of an
indictment.
However to be awarded immunity Hirchson must prove the offenses he is being charged with were made within the framework of his duties as MK or that the indictment was not filed in good faith.
Should Hirchson forgo an immunity plea – he will be indicted within a month's time.
