Iran Press/Middle East: Netanyahu’s trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes opened in May. Though the prime minister attended the first hearing, he is not expected to make an appearance in the courtroom on Sunday.
The second hearing in the criminal case comes on the heels of multiple protests against Netanyahu and his corruption charges.
The accusations against Netanyahu include accepting some $200,000 in gifts such as cigars and champagne from two billionaires, Hollywood-based Israeli movie mogul Arnon Milchan and Australian magnate James Packer. Netanyahu is also accused of offering to push legislation benefiting powerful Israeli media moguls in exchange for more positive coverage in their publications. He denies any wrongdoing.
Sunday’s hearing will see the court pencil in dates for future hearings during which witness testimony will be given.
According to Channel 13, the State Prosecutor’s Office will request that the Jerusalem al Quds District Court call witnesses to testify in Netanyahu’s corruption trial in the coming three to four months.
Netanyahu has claimed he is the victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy and called the allegations baseless.
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