Olmert starts prison sentence with a statement denying corruption

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert entered Maasiyahu Prison in Ramla on Tuesday morning and started serving his 19-month sentence for bribery and obstruction of justice over the Holyland and Talansky cases. 
Shortly before entering the prison, he released a video statement saying, “Life has presented me with a tough ordeal. I accept it, but absolutely refute any charge of corruption. I made mistakes but they were not criminal. For a part of them I am paying a heavy price, perhaps too heavy. With a heavy heart I accept this judgment. No man is above the law.”
Olmert is the first former Israeli prime minister to go to prison. The main part of his sentence was served on him for graft while serving in public office prior to his term as prime minister, This charge he has consistently denied.
As a former premier, Olmert is being separated from the general prison population for security reasons. He is jailed within a special wing for high profile white-collar criminals.