Son of Israeli PM sentenced to 9 months on corruption charges News
Son of Israeli PM sentenced to 9 months on corruption charges

[JURIST] Omri Sharon, son of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [BBC profile], was sentenced Tuesday to a nine month prison term for illegal campaign fundraising. Sharon was indicted [JURIST report] in August for setting up false companies as a disguise for more than $1.3 million he received in contributions from several Israeli and overseas corporations for his father's re-election campaign. He pleaded guilty [JURIST report] in November to falsifying documents and perjury and resigned from his post as a member of parliament in January. Omri's father, Ariel Sharon, has continuously denied any involvement in the illegal fundraising.

Ariel Sharon has been in a coma since January 4 after suffering a severe stroke and undergoing surgery. The Tel Aviv court has agreed to delay the start of Omri's term in prison for six months on account of his father's ailing condition. After serving his nine month sentence, Omri Sharon must also serve nine months of probation and has been fined $300,000 shekels, or about $64,000. BBC News has more. The Jerusalem Post has local coverage.