The court announced a 3-month suspended jail sentence and a 10,000-shekel fine. The relatively light sentence, the judge explained, was due to the suffering endured by Deri and his family during the 14 years of legal proceedings against the former Interior Minister, as well as other extenuating circumstances. The court added that the funds misappropriated by Deri were never used for his own personal gain, but rather for the good of those in need.
Two months ago, Deri was exonerated on four of the charges against him, but was found guilty on one count: corruption and breach of trust, dating back to his days as Interior Minister in the early 1990's. The Jerusalem Magistrates Court found him guilty of transferring funds illegally to Shas party institutions.
"The legal proceedings against me have cost the country tens of millions of shekels," Deri said this morning, "and it all came down to nothing. Someone has to pay the price. I thank the judge for reminding us of what I said many years ago, that the day will come when it won't be me on trial, but the State. I will prove my innocence." He said he has no plans to appeal.
Two months ago, Deri was exonerated on four of the charges against him, but was found guilty on one count: corruption and breach of trust, dating back to his days as Interior Minister in the early 1990's. The Jerusalem Magistrates Court found him guilty of transferring funds illegally to Shas party institutions.
"The legal proceedings against me have cost the country tens of millions of shekels," Deri said this morning, "and it all came down to nothing. Someone has to pay the price. I thank the judge for reminding us of what I said many years ago, that the day will come when it won't be me on trial, but the State. I will prove my innocence." He said he has no plans to appeal.