NEWS: Sharon to be charged with accepting bribes

Israel's chief prosecutor is recommending that Ariel Sharon be charged with corruption for allegedly accepting bribes from a land developer.

"The prosecutor, Edna Arbel, submitted the draft indictment to the attorney general, who will decide whether to proceed with the charges over the coming weeks after hearing an opinion from the police.

Mr Sharon's office declined to comment, but his lawyer issued a statement saying that leaks to the press revealing Mr Arbel's intent were part of a politically motivated campaign by the chief prosecutor to malign the prime minister.

None the less, the political pressure on the Israeli leader was growing yesterday. A member of Mr Sharon's coalition government, the national infrastructure minister, Yosef Paritzky of the Shinui party, called for the prime minister's resignation."

Sharon's troubles deepen in bribe case

Move seen as major, but not final, step toward prime minister�s possible resignation



"JERUSALEM - Israel�s state attorney recommended Sunday that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon be indicted for bribe-taking, officials said, in what is seen as a major � but not final � step toward his possible resignation.

Such an unprecedented indictment of an Israeli prime minister could derail Sharon�s proposal to withdraw from much of the Gaza Strip � or entice him to move more quickly on the �disengagement� plan, which has broad support in Israel."

Israeli prosecutor recommends indictment against Sharon

"JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's chief prosecutor on Sunday officially recommended bringing charges against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in a corruption scandal that could drive him from office and derail his Gaza Strip withdrawal plan.

The Justice Ministry said State Attorney Edna Arbel had submitted a draft indictment to Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, who would have the final say on whether to put the 76-year-old prime minister on trial for alleged bribe-taking.

A Justice Ministry source estimated it could take Mazuz, a career civil servant widely regarded as without any political agenda, up to two months to decide whether to charge Sharon.

The developments plunged Sharon deeper into trouble two weeks before a visit to Washington, where he hopes to win President Bush's backing for his plan to unilaterally evacuate Jewish settlements in Gaza and some in the West Bank."

Israeli Chief Prosecutor Seeks Sharon Indictment

I wonder what effect this will have involving Hamas. If he resigns, or is found guilty, this could open up a whole new can of worms.
Perfect Timing huh...

Prosecutors consider charging Sharon



[Edited on 28-3-2004 by TrickmastertricK]

This really doesn't look good for Sharon. If he is charged with a crime he will be forced to resign.

i hope he resigns... the day i have been wating for since he came to power will finally come to pass... has anyone noticed how the last Israeli PM (cant think of his name) didnt have nearly as much violence on his hands...

i heard this was because he wanted to pull back from parts of the the west bank and gaza strip. yeah he has alot of dirt though.

there seem to be a lot of goverments changing parties right now.

my guess that in order to counteract american activities in the mid east before it(US) slips out of their control they have to cause a US econ collapse and get everyone against Isreal.


what does everyone else think?