Investigations of Marc Rich Pardon Reveal More Insights on International Aspects

On February 18, 2001, Bill Clinton wrote an op ed piece published in the NEW YORK TIMES, explaining his reasons for granting the pardon. Mr. Clinton said he was influenced by both legal reasons (e.g., the overcriminalization of the tax and energy charges, including the rejection in 1989 by the Justice Department of the use of racketeering statutes in tax cases like this one) and “many present and former high-ranking Israeli officials of both major political parties and leaders of Jewish communities in America and Europe urged the pardon of Mr. Rich because of his contributions and services to Israeli charitable causes, to the Mossad’s efforts to rescue and evacuate Jews from hostile countries, and to the peace process through sponsorship of education and health programs in Gaza and the West Bank.” Clinton explained that prior to granting the pardons, he received from their lawyer a letter confirming that they “waive any and all defenses which could be raised to the lawful imposition of civil fines or penalties in connection with the actions and transactions alleged in the indictment against them pending in the Southern District of New York.” …[more]