Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial will begin on March 17, two weeks after the country’s national election, Israel’s Justice Ministry said on Tuesday.
Netanyahu will be required to be present at the trial, according to a statement released by the Ministry, Reuters reported.
Netanyahu's corruption trial will start 2 weeks after election day. Like any other defendant, he must be present in court to hear the charges. https://t.co/zi8gtuWOY8
— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) February 18, 2020
The right-wing leader is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be charged with a crime.
Netanyahu was indicted in November on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust over allegations that he granted state favors worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Israeli media barons in return for gifts and favorable coverage.
BREAKING: Netanyahu's trial to begin on March 17th at the district court in Jerusalem
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) February 18, 2020
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, saying he is the victim of a witch hunt by the media and the political left aiming to remove a popular right-wing leader.
Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
