Sharon's deputy cleared

2004-04-04 19:16

Jerusalem - Israel's attorney general has decided not to indict deputy premier Ehud Olmert over a corruption case that could still see Prime Minister Ariel Sharon charged with accepting bribes, justice ministry sources said on Sunday.

Menachem Mazuz accepted a recommendation by chief prosecutor Edna Arbel that no charges be brought against Olmert, who is also trade minister, for his alleged involvement in the so-called "Greek Island" affair as there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Arbel has already recommended that Mazuz prosecute Sharon for accepting bribes from contractor David Appel for his help in securing a major Greek property deal.

Appel was indicted in January on charges of trying to bribe Sharon when he was foreign minister, through his son Gilad, in exchange for their help in securing a major Greek property deal.

He was also indicted of doing the same with Olmert, who was then mayor of Jerusalem.

Sharon said on Friday he was confident that he would not be indicted. "My hands are clean.

"I believe in my full and complete innocence, and believe there won't be an indictment."

- AFP