Ehud Olmert
Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO
Estimate: Gag order on Olmert probe to be partially lifted Thursday
State Prosecutor's office says investigation against PM to advance at accelerated pace to help it decide on whether to indict
Sources in the State Prosecutor's Office said that certain details pertaining to the most recent investigation
against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will
be publicized Thursday evening.
Media Blackout
After turbulent weekend of ambiguous reports, officials vow scope (and validity) of new investigation against premier will soon come to light. Meanwhile police threaten to contest any move to end media blackout as Knesset Opposition finally takes swing at Olmert
The details have so far been kept secret in adherence with a court-issued gag order.
According to the sources, the investigation is now expected to progress at an accelerated pace to help the prosecutor's office reach a decision on whether to file an indictment against the prime minister.
The Justice Ministry is expected to ask the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday to partially lift its gag order, particularly in light of recent reports in the foreign press that have revealed extensive details on the affair.
The information, which was posted on the websites of the New York Times and the New York Post, is still under embargo in Israel due to the gag order.
In what was considered an unusual legal maneuver, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz asked the court on Tuesday to depose the foreign national involved in the case, prior to deciding on an indictment.
Considered an unusual legal maneuver, deposing a witness at this stage of the investigation is usually done when there is a substantial chance the witness would not be able to appear in court during trial. In Olmert's case, the man in question – who is not an Israeli citizen – may wish to return to the US. The court is expected to decide on Mazuz's request by the end of the week.
The PM was questioned under caution for over an hour on Friday. At present time the only information cleared for publication merely confirms the new allegations concern events that took place prior to his ascension to the premiership.
