Israeli PM’s son indicted on corruption charges

updated 5:13 a.m. ET Aug. 28, 2005

JERUSALEM - The oldest son of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was indicted Sunday on corruption charges in connection with fund-raising activities for one of his father’s election campaigns, the Justice Ministry announced.

Omri Sharon is suspected of setting up fictitious companies to conceal illegal contributions during the 1999 campaign, when his father won the chairmanship of the Likud Party and became its candidate for prime minister.

Sharon’s term as prime minister has been marred by multiple scandals over shady campaign financing and real estate deals, but the prime minister himself has escaped indictment.

Omri Sharon is a member of the Israeli parliament. He has already agreed to waive his parliamentary immunity to face the corruption charges.

Attorney General Meni Mazuz said last month that he planned to indict Omri Sharon after negotiations to reach a plea bargain broke down.

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