| Regardless of the amount given to a politician, the legal crime of bribery has to be proven. It must be proven that the receipient actually did something specifically to benefit to donnor. It cannot be something general, like following the policies of a given political party. If it can be proven, for example, that the donnor received permission to set up mini bars in hotels in exchange for contributions, then bribery is proven. The favour need not be large, but it must be specific. As in all criminal cases, circumstantial evidence can play an essential role. There is no doubt that even if the money was for campaigns, the law was violated, although Olmert is trying to use what he sees as a loophole to escape prosecution. I hope that justice will prevail. If he had any honour at all, he would resign. |
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