Daring to Criticize

This pathetic "story" broke last Friday, but its amazing what repercussions have followed.

Deputy Jerusalem District Prosecutor Uri Corb teaches in the "Sha'arei Mishpat" law school in Israel. Last semester he taught a course on Israel's legal system and the judiciary.

The big "story" is that close to 3 months ago, in one of his lectures, he said that, "Some of the Judges [in Israel] are donkeys".

Then, this past Friday, close to 3 months since Corb made the "damning" statement, the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth published transcripts of the statements, as headline news.

Question One: Why was this "sensationalist" story "sat on" for close to 3 months before it was publicized?

Question Two: Who stood to gain from this story being published in the first place?

Let's dig a bit deeper. Who was Corb prosecuting?

Haaretz adds some detail:

The hearing of testimonies in [ex-prime minister and on trial for major corruption and fraud] Ehud Olmert's trial on the Talansky, Rishon Tours and the Investment Center affairs, are scheduled to begin next Monday. Corb had been assigned to conduct the trial in court, and is the one who knows the prosecution's case best.

Knowing full well how Israel completely and utterly prostates itself before the Judiciary, this was bound the generate the usual "don't you dare criticize Israel's judiciary" (with Nahum Barnea even comparing Corb's statement, to that of someone who threw their shoe at Chief Israeli Justice, Dorit Beinish.)

Yet the results have been far more sinister.

1. Corb has been forced to "take a leave of absence" for daring to criticize Israel's judiciary.

In a statement issued by the ministry, Corb said that "following the many reports in recent days, including many distortions targeting me, I am asking at this stage to take a short leave. I have already expressed to you [referring to Jerusalem Chief District Attorney Moshe Lador] and the media great sorrow at the damage I have caused by making use of a style that was out of place. I intend to find a way to clarify things in the coming days, and will do my best to correct the bad impression." (Haaretz)

2. There are calls for Corb to be fired.

While on leave, Corb's case will be examined by the disciplinary department at the Civil Service Commission. If he is found to have committed serious violations, a complaint will be filed against him at the commission's disciplinary court. At the end of such a process, the court may opt to sanction Corb - which could range anywhere from a reprimand to dismissal. (Haaretz)

3. And for the kicker...Olmert who has been desperately trying to get a delay for his trial, and his defense counsel's previous requests were already rejected by the court...has "magically" managed to get the State Prosecutor to request a 3 month delay for Olmert's trial!

The State Prosecutor's Office has requested a three-month delay in hearing evidence in the corruption trial of former prime minister Ehud Olmert on Monday, following Sunday's meeting between State Prosecutor Moshe Lador and Deputy Jerusalem District Prosecutor Uri Corb. (Haaretz)

Olmert's legal team are probably slapping themselves on the back over this perfectly executed "leak"...

Here's another example of preventing someone from expressing his views, by screaming and interrupting over and over again.

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