Arye Deri, the embattled Israeli interior minister under investigation for financial improprieties, refused to talk to reporters following several hours of interrogation Sunday at national police headquarters here.
The lengthy questioning by senior officers of the Serious Crimes Division of the police followed a recommendation last week by State Attorney Dorit Beinish that charges be brought against Deri for alleged improper channeling of government funds through local authorities to religious institutions connected with Deri’s Shas party.
But informed sources said Sunday’s interrogation focused not on those allegations but on charges connected with Deri’s personal finances.
Sources said this would be the last step before the police, followed by the state attorney, decide whether there is sufficient evidence in the area of Deri’s private finances to bring charges against the 32-year-old minister.
Deri looked pale and drawn as he told reporters prior to the interrogation that he was suffering from the flu and running a fever. He said he had decided to appear nevertheless, “so that people don’t say I’m dodging.”
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