Netanyahu submits request for a pardon throughout his ongoing corruption trial : NPR

TEL AVIV (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested Israel’s president to grant him a pardon throughout his long-running corruption trial that is bitterly divided the nation.

In an announcement Sunday the prime minister’s workplace stated that Netanyahu had submitted a request for a pardon to the authorized division of the Workplace of the President. The president’s workplace referred to as it an “extraordinary request,” carrying with it “important implications.”

Netanyahu is the one sitting prime minister in Israeli historical past to face trial, after being charged with fraud, breach of belief and accepting bribes in three separate instances accusing him of exchanging favors with rich political supporters. He has not but been convicted of something.

The request comes weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu.

In a videotaped assertion, Netanyahu stated the trial has divided the nation and {that a} pardon would assist restore nationwide unity. He additionally stated the requirement that he seem in court docket 3 times per week is a distraction that makes it troublesome for him to guide the nation.

Netanyahu’s request consisted of two paperwork — an in depth letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by Netanyahu. They’re going to be despatched to the justice ministry for opinions and can then be transferred to the Authorized Advisor within the Workplace of the President, which can formulate further opinions for the president.