Moshe Katsav to be charged with rape · 2007-01-24 10:54
Israel’s ministry of justice says it plans to charge the country’s largely ceremonial head of state, Moshe Katsav, with rape and abuse of power. Formal charges against him can be made only after a hearing at which he will be allowed to present his case.
Mr Katsav denies allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by several female employees in recent months.
The recommendation to indict him comes amid a flurry of corruption allegations against top-level Israeli politicians.
Mr Katsav’s lawyers said he was innocent and charges would be dropped after the attorney general heard Mr Katsav’s side of the story.
“The president believes that everyone will see that he is the victim of false charges,” David Libai said, adding that the president would hold a news conference on Wednesday.
The president enjoys immunity, but he can be impeached or prosecuted after he leaves office, BBC informs.
Mr Katsav’s predecessor, Ezer Weizman, left office early in controversial circumstances after the attorney general found he had accepted improper gifts. He was never charged with any crime.
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