Friedmann: Leaks from PM's investigation gone out of control
Enraged by leaks to press, Olmert’s attorneys demand another rep from justice ministry’s police investigation unit on case. ‘Leaks are outrageous,’ says lawyer, asking attorney general to launch immediate criminal probe against ‘informers’
Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann referred Tuesday to the leaks from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's investigation, saying that "it appears things have gone out of control."
Friedmann spoke at the Agricultural Center of the Ramat Negev Regional Council. He also addressed the indictment planned to be filed against former President Moshe Katsav, saying that "any procedure which has begun must be completed within reasonable time."
While Friedmann gave his speech, the Jerusalem District Court held the cross-examination of key witness Morris Talansky.
Olmert’s lawyer, Attorney Navot Tel-Zur hinted alluded to an ideological motive behind the affair. Olmert’s second lawyer, Attorney Eli Zohar presented the contradictions in the alleged loan given to Olmert for his grandchild’s brit (Jewish circumcision ceremony.)
The prime minister’s associates were outraged by the leaking. Zohar asked Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to instruct the police to launch an immediate investigation to reckon with the sources behind the leaks.
Zohar asked to add a representative from The Ministry of Justice's Police Investigation Unit: “The leaks from the prime minister’s investigation are outrageous. I ask you to begin an official investigation at once to identify the source or sources of the leaks.”
Full transcripts from the prime minister’s investigations were published Sunday and Monday, including the transcript of the testimony given by the prime minister’s son, Shaul Olmert.
Prior to that, Olmert’s attorneys released footage from Talansky’s police investigation. The protocols included arguments between Olmert and the police investigators, the latter complaining about the prime minister’s stalling the investigation.
