Israel police reveal new evidence in PM Olmert corruption investigation News
Israel police reveal new evidence in PM Olmert corruption investigation

[JURIST] Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert [official profile] misappropriated approximately $100,000 by double-billing different sources for travel and hotel expenses, Israeli police said Friday after questioning the politician. Olmert's travel agency, Rishon Tours, would allegedly ask various state agencies and charities to pay Olmert's travel bills without telling them that other bodies were also being asked to pay the same bills. The new allegations come as part of a continuing investigation into accusations of corruption surrounding Olmert's relationship with US businessman Morris Talansky. State prosecutors say Olmert personally received cash payments [Jerusalem Post report; JURIST report] from Talansky while serving as a minister of industry, trade and labor. In May, police raided Olmert's offices [JURIST report] in search of evidence. Olmert has denied all wrongdoing. AP has more. Ha'aretz has local coverage.

Olmert has been accused of questionable business dealings for the past several years. In April 2007, Olmert was investigated for improperly favoring his supporters [JURIST report] in distributing business grants during his time as trade minister. In January 2007, the Israeli Ministry of Justice announced plans to launch an investigation [JURIST report] into allegations that he promoted the interests of two business associates during the 2005 state sale of Bank Leumi [corporate website]. Throughout these scandals, Olmert has maintained that he is innocent. Law enforcement officials had indicated that the investigation into Olmert revealed evidence that could lead to additional charges [Ha'aretz report].

THIS DAY @ LAW

Indian National Congress founded

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. In subsequent decades, the so-called Congress Party would advocate for Indian independence from the UK, which was eventually achieved in 1947. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as a member of the INC. Learn more about the history and founding of the Indian National Congress.

Congress recognized Pledge of Allegiance

On December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and encouraged its recitation in schools. The Pledge was supposedly written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day. The words “under God” were added by Congress in 1954. The revised version of the Pledge was the subject of litigation before the United States Supreme Court originally brought by Michael Newdow, a parent who unsuccessfully objected to his daughter's school district policy requiring daily recitation of the Pledge. The court ruled that Newdow had no standing.

Nepal ends monarchy, establishes republic

On December 28, 2007, the Kingdom of Nepal's interim parliament ended the country's monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal. Free elections were held on April 10 of the following year to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Learn more about the rise of democracy in Nepal.