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Last update - 01:46 22/12/2008 PM opts for hearing in bid to stave off indictment on Rishon Tours case By Tomer Zarchin Tags: Israel News, Rishon Tours  Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has decided to exercise his right to a hearing with Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on the charges that may be drawn up against him, but doesn't want the hearing held before May, his attorneys informed Mazuz Sunday. Mazuz announced last month that he has tentatively decided to indict Olmert in the so-called Rishon Tours case, in which the premier is suspected of double-billing various nonprofit and state agencies for the same flights abroad on public business, and then using the extra money to finance flights and seat upgrades for himself and his family. Rishon Tours is the agency through which the flights were booked. A hearing is a last chance to convince the attorney general that an indictment is unjustified. Advertisement Olmert's attorneys said the hearing should be delayed until May because it will take them that long to study the dozens of folders full of evidence amassed during the investigation. The planned charges against the prime minister include fraud, aggravated fraud, breach of trust, falsifying corporate documents and tax evasion. However, it is possible that Olmert also hopes thereby to avoid multiple hearings, should any of the other investigations against him result in indictments. Earlier this month, an associate of Olmert's told Haaretz that Mazuz should first decide on all the outstanding cases and then hold one hearing only, because "there is no economic, legal or other relevant justification for splitting the hearings. You can't harass a man with a hearing every few months. It's not practical, and it doesn't pass the reasonability test." Olmert's lawyers later reiterated this argument to Mazuz's staff. Mazuz is expected to decide on at least one other case in the next few months: Olmert's alleged receipt of some $150,000 over a period of several years from American Jewish businessman Morris Talansky. If he decides to prosecute this case, a May date for the Rishon Tours hearing might well allow both hearings to be held simultaneously. A Justice Ministry source confirmed Sunday that Olmert has asked for a hearing, but said Mazuz had not yet responded to the request for a delay until May. Olmert's media adviser, Amir Dan, commented: "We are convinced that the prosecution also does not relate to the hearing as a mere technical procedure, devoid of any content. Therefore, preparation for such a hearing must be commensurate, and this will require several months." Related articles: Olmert's travel planner quizzed in corruption affairs Olmert ponders AG offer for hearing prior to indictment in double-billing case Livni urges Olmert to take leave as threat of indictment looms Bookmark to del.icio.us   Can war be avoided? Can Israel accept Hamas rule, and ease, rather than tighten its chokehold on Gaza? Latke eating champ Body builder eats 46 latkes in 8 minutes to win N.Y. Hanukkah contest and set a new record.   1.   indicment 06:22  |  colin 22/12/08   2.   TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS...... 07:07  |  Josephus 22/12/08   3.   amazing how fast court can move against settlers 16:00  |  virginia orrall 22/12/08   4.   curiouser and curiouser the legal eagles 17:19  |  victor hardman 22/12/08

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