Selective memory? Harpaz

Galant case: Suspect 'doesn't remember' where doc came from

Boaz Harpaz maintains he had nothing to do with forged document, tells police he does not remember who he got it from. Court remands him for five days

Eli Senyor|Published: 08.24.10 , 21:05

A case of selective memory? Lt. Col. (res.) Boaz Harpaz, the prime suspect in the Galant scandal was interrogated by International Fraud Unit officers but maintained that he had nothing to do with the forged document.

Harpaz, who was on a business trip in the United States when the document, allegedly plotting Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant's way to the chief of staff's office, was made public, was arrested upon his return to Israel.

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Harpaz claimed in his investigation that while he was in possession of the document at a certain time, he had no recollection of the person who gave it to him.

The police are currently pursuing leads suggesting that not only did Harpaz compile the document, he was the one who gave it to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's office. Police suspect he also attempted to tamper with witnesses deposed in the case.

Police on Tuesday asked the court to remand Harpaz for 10 days, citing he was a flight risk. Investigators and Harpaz' lawyers eventually agreed on a five-day remand.

Attorneys Yaron Kostelitz and Yechiel Weinroth, for Harpaz, said their client agreed to the remand in order to allow the investigators to further substantiate his version of the events.

"He has answered all of their questions and maintained that he did not forge the document nor did he know it was a forgery. He told investigators how he got it and who he gave it to. (Harpaz) returned to Israel on his own accord and he is not a flight risk," said the defense.