Last update - 00:00 17/10/2006
Hanegbi's attorney: MK isn't guilty of any wrongdoing
By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent
The attorney for Kadima MK Tzachi Hanegbi, Yaakov Weinrot, said Tuesday that while Hanegbi concedes the majority of the facts in the indictment, he denies the overall charges.
Hanegbi is accused of making improper political appointments in the Environment Ministry during his term as Environment Minister.
The MK was charged three weeks ago with fraud, breach of trust, election bribery and attempting to influence a voter.
The indictment is 33 pages long and lists 321 witnesses.
Hanegbi's trial opened Tuesday in the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court.
Weinrot maintains that Hangebi was not directly involved in most of the charges against him.
According to Weinrot, the former minister just passed on resumes of candidates that turned to his office, and that anyone who was finally appointed was a professional that was suitable for the position.
"Minister Hanegbi looked favorably on Likud members' nominations for positions in the government," said Weinrot. "He is confidant that there was no wrongdoing in the political appointments."
Hanegbi arrived in court with his wife, and refused to comment.
In a separate case, MK Haim Ramon, who resigned as justice minister this summer, went on trial Tuesday on charges he kissed a female soldier on the lips, against her will, on July 12.
The complainant will testify behind closed doors at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court Tuesday, the first day of the evidentiary phase of the trial, began at 11:30 A.M.
Ramon is charged with forcibly carrying out an indecent act, and will be tried before a panel of three judges.