While the Justice Ministry remains opposed, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has spoken out in favor of granting former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert early release from prison, Channel 2 News reported. Shaked is calling on President Reuven Rivlin to weigh Olmert’s contribution to security.

This is despite the fact the Justice Ministry’s clemency unit is opposed to such a move, adding that Shaked has sent a letter to President Rivlin asking for him to consider clemency.

In her letter, she calls on the president to take Mr. Olmert’s contribution to state security into account and consider a pardon despite the opposition of the Justice Ministry unit.

Officials in the President’s Residence confirm receiving the letter which they explain will be studied as all request and a decision will be made.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)