Mazuz
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Tartman
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Attorney general to look into Tartman affair
Mazuz asked to examine whether designated tourism minister's lies about her academic degrees constitute a criminal offense
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz will look into the alleged falsification of academic degrees by designated tourism minister Esterina Tartman (Israel Our Home).
Mazuz will examine whether Tartman's lies about her degrees constitute a criminal offense that can prevent her from being appointed minister.
Second Lie
Tzvika Brot
(VIDEO) Designated tourism minister said to have lied about Bachelors degree after Yedioth Ahronoth exposed similar claim concerning her Masters
The decision to launch the inspection came following an appeal by Attorney Eitan Erez to the attorney general.
Maximum sentence: 3 years
Elite criminal attorney Professor Kenneth Man explained that although they may not have been appropriate, Tartman’s claims would only be considered criminal should it become clear that she received monetary gain because of her resume ‘makeover’.
The maximum sentence for such an offense is three years; five if circumstances are severe.
Attorney Barak Kalev, head of the legal department of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, criticized Tartman’s false claims on Tuesday. “One who has mislead the public about ones worthiness of an academic degree cannot serve as a public official who should lead by example,” he said.
“This is even more true for someone who boasted a degree they did not earn, proving that they were also not worthy of the title of ‘minister’,” Kalev said.
Lieberman to decide Tartman's fate
Meanwhile, officials at the Prime Minister's Office said that the decision whether or not to uphold Tartman's appointment is in the hands of Israel Our Home Chairman Avigdor Lieberman.Lieberman will speak with Knesset reporters about the scandal on Wednesday afternoon following a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting earlier in the day. Sources say Lieberman has been briefed on the matter but it is too soon to speculate what his final decision will be.
Tartman herself has yet to comment on the allegations. Fellow party members are also adhering to her policy and none have come forward to condemn her.
