Minister Meyrav Golan Questioned for Over 11 Hours Amid Corruption Probe
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Minister Meyrav Golan was questioned for over 11 hours by Lahav 433 on suspicion of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which she denied. A source close to the investigation claims solid evidence implicates her and that she will be called for further questioning. The probe, initiated after a report on alleged illegal funds, is linked to the upcoming elections and the expiration of her parliamentary immunity. The findings will be sent to the State Prosecutor's Office.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Meyrav Golan was interrogated for over 11 hours on corruption charges, which she denied.
- A source close to the investigation claims solid evidence implicates Minister Golan.
- Golan's appearance for questioning is linked to the upcoming elections and her expiring parliamentary immunity.
- The investigation stems from allegations of illegal funds received by Golan and her associates.
- Golan will likely be summoned for another day of questioning.
- The case file has been sent to the State Prosecutor's Office for a decision on indictment.
Minister for Social Equality and Women's Advancement Meyrav Golan was interrogated for over 11 hours on Wednesday at Lahav 433, Israel's national fraud investigation unit. Golan, suspected of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, denied all allegations, telling investigators, "It's all nonsense, it's all lies." She also stated, "I didn't come to claim my right to remain silent" and expressed a desire to conclude the interrogation that day, saying, "I won't leave here until it's over."
However, a senior source close to the investigation asserted that investigators possess "solid evidence that implicates her and complicates her situation." This source indicated that Golan would be summoned for another day of questioning. The source also suggested that Golan's decision to appear for questioning, months after being summoned, was influenced by the upcoming elections and the impending expiration of her parliamentary immunity in one week. "If it were up to her, she wouldn't have shown up for the investigation at all," the source commented, adding that she understands her immunity is ending soon.
Investigators reportedly believe Golan may have prepared for the interrogation, possibly simulating questioning sessions with her lawyers. The investigation, which began as a covert probe and became public in September of the previous year with the approval of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, stems from a "HaMivaker" (The Critic) investigation by Channel 12 News. That report focused on alleged illegal funds received by Golan and her associates, including payments for work that may not have been performed and forbidden salary from a non-profit she founded.
Discussions for Golan's appearance began the previous week. A senior Lahav 433 official had previously stated that if Golan did not appear before the elections, they would "knock on her door" after her immunity expired. The investigation file has been transferred to the State Prosecutor's Office for a decision on whether to file an indictment.
