A Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court has flatly rejected an appeal by Knesset member-elect Samuel Flatto-Sharon to lift the restrictions imposed on him pending a decision on an extradition request by France. Flatto based his appeal on the immunity granted Knesset members. He asked for the return of the IL 10 million bail he posted to avoid being held in custody, return of his passport which was confiscated by the police and removal of the ban on his leaving the country.
Flatto, a millionaire financier fled from France to Israel in 1972 to avoid arrest on charges of illegal financial activities and fraud. The French extradition request has been making its way through the Israeli courts. A final decision as to whether Flatto is extraditable rests with the Justice Ministry.
State Attorney Michael Kirsch opposed Flatto’s appeal on grounds that his immunity as a member of the next Knesset enables him to act freely as an MK but does not necessarily mean freedom to travel abroad. He said that if the Justice Ministry found Flatto extraditable, it would request the Knesset to withdraw his immunity. Judge Eliahu Ben Zimra accepted the State’s argument. Flatto’s bail will expire in 25 days.
Meanwhile, Flatto has other legal troubles. He is being sued for libel by Labor MK Jacque Amir who charged that Flatto used “gutter language” against him in the recent election campaign. Flatto himself has filed libel actions against several former supporters who have accused him of questionable campaign practices.
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