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American businessman Morris Talansky. (Daniel Bar / Jini) Last update - 21:37 20/05/2008 Supreme Court denies Olmert bid to block testimony against him By Ofra Edelman, Haaretz Correspondent , and the Associated Press Tags: Olmert, Talansky  The Supreme Court Tuesday rejected Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bid to block a key witness from giving a deposition in a corruption probe against him. The court said it saw no reason to delay the testimony by Jewish American businessman Morris (Moshe) Talansky and reaffirmed the Jerusalem District Court's ruling over the same petition. Advertisement Olmert is suspected of having illicitly received up to U.S.$500,000 from Talansky. Both deny the allegations against them. The ruling delivered a blow to Olmert's defense, as he battles several corruption cases that have threatened to depose him and derail fledgling peace talks with the Palestinians. Police have said the latest alleged corruption case spans a 12-year period, when Olmert was mayor of Jerusalem and minister of industry and trade. Detectives raided Jerusalem city hall and the ministry last week, seizing documents in connection with the investigation. In a rare petition against the state, Olmert's lawyers asked the Supreme Court on Monday to block Talansky from giving a deposition prior to any indictment being filed, arguing that the testimony would compromise Olmert's right to a fair hearing. Prosecutors say Talansky's testimony is crucial for their case against Olmert. The Supreme Court said it found no compelling reason to overrule the decision of a lower court on the matter. That court approved the early testimony. Talansky is due to give his deposition on Sunday. Prosecutors and police want Talansky to testify before he leaves Israel, fearing he might be reluctant to return. Talansky himself has said he would return to Israel whenever needed. Olmert's lawyers asked the Supreme Court on Monday to block Talansky's deposition before any indictment is filed. They argued that the testimony would compromise his right to a fair hearing. Talansky is due to give his deposition on Sunday. Prosecutors and police want Talansky to testify before he leaves Israel, fearing he might be reluctant to return to do so. State Prosecutor Moshe Lador said Monday that Talansky personally handed money to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on several occasions. "While Olmert served as a minister in the Israeli government, he allegedly received funds from Talansky, in Israel and abroad, sometimes through [Shula] Zaken," Lador said. Speaking at a High Court hearing over a petition submitted by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his former office manager, Shula Zaken, against the Jerusalem District Court's decision to hear preliminary testimony from Talansky, Lador also said that Talansky's testimony included details of specific amounts transferred to Olmert, and descriptions of visits to Israel in which he handed Olmert money in envelopes. Olmert's lawyer, Navot Tel-Tzur, said in response that the prosecution failed to present new facts or evidence in the case that would justify calling an early testimony from Talansky. Speaking on Army Radio, Tel-Tzur asked "how can [the prosecution] solicit early testimony when the suspicion has not been founded?" Also speaking on Olmert's behalf, attorney Eli Zohar said that the decision to accept early testimony from Talansky is a blatant disruption of the balance between the right to fair trial and public interest. "The Prime Minister's trial opens on the day that Talansky is scheduled to testify in court. This creates a situation that would almost obligate the prosecution to indict the prime minister," Zohar said. The High Court held a hearing Monday on a petition submitted by Olmert and his former office manager, Shula Zaken, against the Jerusalem District Court's decision to hear preliminary testimony from American millionaire Morris Talansky. Police suspect that Olmert received illicit funds from Talansky, making him a key witness in the latest investigations surrounding the prime minister. Zaken is also a suspect in the case. The prosecution is demanding that Talansky testify now, before an indictment is filed on grounds that Talansky, a close friend of Olmert, may refuse to return to Israel. Talansky announced earlier this week that he refuses to stay in Israel after May 26. In an interview with Army Radio, Zaken's attorney said that if the court allows Talanksy's early testimony, they will ask for a delay in the proceedings so that they can read the prosecution's case. While the prosecution said Sunday that the suspicions against the American businessman are not serious enough to justify keeping him in the country against his will any longer, the fact that he remains a suspect arouses concern that he would not return to Israel to testify against Olmert if the premier is indicted, for fear that he might face charges himself. Related articles: New evidence against Olmert might lead to even more charges What was in the envelopes Mazuz: Ruling on Olmert probe unlikely in next few weeks Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.   1.   Olmert save the Jewish nation : Resign 18:40  |  Simon 20/05/08   2.   Bottom Line Is Olmert Received Illicit Funds,& Must Resign NOW 19:10  |  Shepherd 20/05/08   3.   Like Watergate: A Great Constitutional Drama is Unfolding 19:38  |  Ovadiah ben Avraham 20/05/08   4.   If i could... 19:43  |  Keops 20/05/08   5.   Is this the tip of an Iceberg..? 20:35  |  Stephen. 20/05/08   6.   Full time PM 21:29  |  Colin 20/05/08   7.   "derail fledgling peace talks with the Palestinians" ??? 21:32  |  redmike 20/05/08   8.   it`s a pity that there`s no real candidate on the sidelines 01:13  |  Nat 21/05/08   9.   # 6. Redmike. Spot on. 01:15  |  Stephen. 21/05/08   10.   we have so much to be proud about now 02:24  |  zionist forever 21/05/08   11.   3 02:27  |  zionist forever 21/05/08   12.   Olmert & Livni must go 05:13  |  Robert Schwartz 21/05/08

Read & React Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza could take effect later this week Responses: 133 Amos Harel: Iran's fingerprints all over Gaza strife Responses: 94 McCain blasts Obama for Iran threat comments Responses: 195 Jerusalem, Petah Tikva ban 'Sex in the City' film adverts Responses: 75 Rosner's Domain 5 questions: Does Israel need rescue? Hyping the threat from Iran (WTR) Poll: Meeting the president of Iran - good or bad? Guests: In regard to Hezbollah, Israeli deterrence works "Controlled Unclassified Information" and the AIPAC trial (WTR) More Headlines 04:04 Olmert to Pelosi: Impose naval blockade on Iran 03:06 Rival Lebanese leaders reach deal to end 18-month crisis 02:23 Police to question Olmert in Talansky bribe case Friday 02:26 U.K. warns Iran nukes could spark Mideast arms race 02:11 Egypt still trying to commit smaller factions to cease-fire 03:57 Demjanjuk not to be deported unless extradition is requested 21:41 Comptroller: Olmert waited 18 months to make decision on Darfur refugees 21:51 Ashkelon Mayor Roni Mahatzri investigated for sexual assault 02:58 PA forces in Jenin have shifted gears, striving to disarm Hamas 01:20 No coordination or sensitivity in dealing with Ethiopian immigrants 00:57 U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy diagnosed with malignant brain tumor Previous Editions Select Day 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may

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