Former MK Stas Misezhnikov's prison sentence cut by third
The former tourism minister is expected to be released next month after serving eight out of 15 months in prison following a conviction on corruption charges which include the breach of trust; More serious charges as as bribery and money laundering were dropped.
The committee convened in Hermon Prison to approve the decision despite the opposition of the State Prosecutor's Office. The decision contains a provision, according to which, the prosecution would be able to request an additional hearing if a final report of those in charge of the procedure will be negative.
Misezhnikov was convicted on corruption charges, and has been serving his sentence since December 2017.
He was convicted in a plea bargain for fraud and breach of trust but more serious charges as as bribery and money laundering were dropped.
Miseznikov confessed that his actions, during his term as the tourism minister, represented a serious conflict of interest. He admitted that he personally campaigned to have the Ministry of Tourism sponsor the Eilat Student Festival in 2010 with a budget of around NIS 1 million. He also recommended that the event’s organizers hire his alleged girlfriend, Julia Roth, as a producer.
He also admitted that he had demanded from the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism constant updates regarding the progress of the contracts’ approval.
Misezhnikov did not reveal to the ministry’s employees the extent of the relationship between him and Roth and the fact that she was hired to produce the event only after his recommendation.
