'Was aware of her power,' Zaken
Photo: Noam Moskovitz
Jacky Matza
Photo: Ofer Amram
Prosecution: Zaken misused public office
At testimony stage of trial of former PM's bureau chief on Tax Authority affair, prosecution claims Shula Zaken acted 'in a blatant manner that goes against any concept of public trust'
Shula Zaken appeared in court again – this time over the Tax Authority affair . The Jerusalem District Court on Sunday began the testimony stage in Zaken's trial, who is suspected of serving as intermediary in bribery scheme and aiding her brother, Yoram Karashi, in advancing his personal interests in the authority. Zaken has pleaded non-guilty.
"We are exposed to the way in which she misused her position in public office," said prosecutor Michal Rosen during the opening argument, in reference to the occurrences during Zaken's role as the chief of bureau of former Finance Minister Ehud Olmert.
Latest Scandal
Police start preparations for final stretch of investigations in corruption affair. Investigators will leave for US next week to take testimony of former prime minister's brother, Yossi Olmert. Former prime minister will also provide his version of events
"She did it in a blatant manner that goes against any concept of public trust and integrity of service" Rosen added.
Karsh himself is standing trial at the Petach Tikva District Court, along with other defendants.
Rozen described the beginning of the affair, in late 2005, when Eitan Rov announced he was retiring from his position as chief of the Tax Authority. Jacky Matza expressed his interest in the position to businessman Kobi Ben Gur, who suggested that he meet with Karashi.
Zaken heads to court on Sunday (Photo: Noam Moskovitz)
According to the prosecution – this meeting only took place because of Karashi's relation to Zaken, who was "a dominant figure in Olmert's bureau, and most importantly, Shula Zaken, Karashi and Matza all understood her status and power."
Matza was appointed to the position, and consequently vice presidents in the authority were appointed "in a way that served Karashi's interests, with a coordinated effort between Karashi and Zaken," said Rozen.
Judge in a bubble
Zaken's Attorney Micha Patmen said in his opening argument that the wiretapping on which the prosecution is based shows that Zaken "did not take part in talks over executing 'un-kosher' plans."Patman emphasized that Zaken was not involved in any appointment except for one, and added that defendants who have already responded to the indictment "said their boastfulness should not be given too much importance, for there is a big difference between boastfulness and actions."
Patman argued that the prosecution's key witness, Matza, "Has more than one version, and the court will find it hard to prove which one is correct.
"There is a public atmosphere that I am asking to keep out of the court room," Patman added, "It exists also in the media – we all 'enjoyed' watching shows that slander Misses Zaken."
Judge Haim Liran responded to Patman's argument and said, "I do not watch TV or listen to the radio."
