Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert was sentenced to six years in prison for bribery at the Tel Aviv district court Tuesday, media reported.
Olmert was found guilty in March of accepting bribes when he served as mayor of Jerusalem in exchange for helping the developers of the city's Holyland Park, a residential project, Harretz online reported.
Tel Aviv District Court Judge David Rozen read out Olmert's sentence.
"A public servant who accepts bribes is equivalent to a traitor," Rozen said.
Olmert has pleaded not guilty to the bribery charges as well as other corruption charges that forced his resignation as premier in 2008.
"This is a sad day in which an unjust and severe sentence is expected to be handed down on an innocent man," Olmert said in a statement issued prior to the sentencing.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app