Ex-PM's bureau chief suspected of illegal wiretapping
Former Prime Minister Olmert's confidante Shula Zaken summoned to official Justice Ministry hearing following allegations that she listened in on hundreds of his private conversations over three-year period
Shula Zaken, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bureau chief, was summoned to a formal Justice Ministry hearing Monday on suspicion of illegal wiretapping of Olmert's phone conversation during his tenure as industry, trade and labor minister.
Zaken is suspected of both listening in on Olmert's conversations herself – unbeknown to him – as well as ordering other secretaries in the ministry to do so on her behalf.
Zaken is suspected of listening in on dozens of private calls every month, for a period of about three years. According to the prosecution, she would listen to Olmert's daily conversations with other ministers, lobbyists, political activists, and his chief of staff, to name a few.
Olmert, alleged the prosecution, had never consented to the act, nor did he know about it.
Should the prosecution be able to prove the case has merit, Zaken may face illegal wiretapping and breach of trust charges.
Amir Dan, Olmert's communications director offered the following comment: "These are fallacious, groundless accusations which are a part of the persecution of Mrs. Zaken. Olmert does not consider himself an injured party in this matter. it is regrettable that the State Prosecutor's Office is wasting time and resources on such frivolous matters."
