Former lawmaker Yaakov Litzman of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party was convicted Monday of breach of public trust and sentenced to eight months in jail as well as a fine of roughly $900.
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This is after he admitted to breach of trust in the Malka Liefer case earlier in the year as part of a plea agreement, avoiding a charge of obstruction of justice and moral turpitude.
As part of the agreement, Litzman – formerly health minister – resigned from Knesset. Upon leaving the court, he reportedly stated that he has no intention of returning to politics.
Litzman was suspected of using his position to influence the examination of Leifer's fitness to stand trial or be extradited on mental grounds. Leifer – a former ultra-Orthodox headmistress – faced 74 separate charges of child sexual abuse, and was eventually deported to Australia in January 2021, following a 13-year-long legal battle.
Litzman also reportedly attempted to prevent the closure of a food establishment that he frequently visited during his time as health minister. As part of the plea deal, the deli case was closed.
The Movement for Quality Government NGO condemned the plea agreement, saying, "The court once again accepted a lenient and shameful plea deal that was signed with an elected official who was above his position and caused real harm to the victims of sexual assault – an agreement that was signed after illegal foot-dragging by the prosecution authorities."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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