Cronyism suspect allowed to return to PM's bureau

Shula Zaken, the former head of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bureau who is under investigation for involvement in improper appointments in the Tax Authority, can return to work in the prime minister's bureau, but not in her previous position, Civil Service Commissioner Shmuel Hollander ruled.

Hollander made the decision after receiving Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's approval.

Zaken, one of Olmert's closest aides, was suspended in February when news of the investigation became public. The Justice Ministry has denied that the decision to lift her suspension was made because the charges to be filed against her are minor. It said her return was allowed because of the time that had passed since her suspension and that decisions in the case are expected soon.

Zaken's attorney, Micha Pettman, said Thursday that he "hopes and believes that there is a connection between Zaken's return to work and the extent of the charges against her."

Pettman said if the charges were serious, Zaken would not be allowed to return to work, especially not in the prime minister's bureau.

"This is not to say there won't be an indictment, but it gives us hope the file will be closed or move to an administrative track," Pettman said.