Sharon's son up for corruption
2005-07-26 21:07
Jerusalem - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's son Omri is to face corruption charges in connection with find-raising activities for one of his father's election campaigns, the attorney general announced on Tuesday.
Omri Sharon, now a member of parliament, said he would waive his immunity from prosecution and stand trial the Ha'aretz newspaper reported.
Sharon's term as prime minister has been marred by multiple scandals over shady campaign financing and real estate deals, but the prime minister himself has escaped indictment.
The charges stem from the 1999 campaign, when Ariel Sharon won the chairmanship of the Likud party and became its candidate for prime minister.
According to the charges, Omri Sharon set up straw companies to conceal illegal contributions.
Charges against Omri Sharon are to include violating campaign finance laws, forging documents and perjury.
He could face five years in prison.
Prosecutors and Sharon's lawyers have been negotiating for months over a possible plea bargain.
- AP