Naomi Blumenthal appeals for presidential pardon
Former MK convicted of bribery and obstruction of justice asks not to serve prison sentence, due to husband's recent death
Former Knesset member Naomi Blumenthal appealed on Tuesday to Acting President Dalia Itzik for a presidential pardon.
Her last court appeal, a request for a six-month stay of justice for personal reasons, was filed in late February. At that time, the former MK did not appeal her conviction, but rather asked the district court to only discuss her appeal over her sentencing.
Her appeal was denied shortly afterward, after judges decided that "Blumenthal's actions were severe and do not justify court intervention. She denied her actions throughout the trial and tainted her faithful driver. Her punishment cannot be reduced."
Blumenthal was convicted of bribery and obstruction of justice and sentenced to eight months in prison. Following the recent death of her husband, friends and colleagues recently launched a large public and political campaign to promote her pardon.
Last week, MK Chaim Amsellem (Shas) asked 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.
Blumenthal was found guilty of funding a meeting of Likud activists held in the Tel Aviv Sheraton City Tower hotel in 2002, in a bid to promote her chances in the party's primary elections. Blumenthal also paid a sum of NIS 12,000 (about $2,600) for the stay of 15 guests at the hotel on the eve of the primaries.
At a later stage, after the affair was leaked to the press, Blumenthal met with two of her contact people who helped organize the event at the hotel, and instructed them to give a false testimony if questioned by police.
Vered Luvitch contributed to this report
