LoungeMachine
01-23-2007, 10:28 AM
Israel's President Moshe Katsav will be indicted on rape charges
• Katsav denies wrongdoing, his lawyer says he is victim of blackmail
• Investigation began after former employee alleged he forced her to have sex
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel's President Moshe Katsav will be indicted on rape charges, the Israeli Justice Ministry said Tuesday.
Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz determined that there is enough evidence to charge Katsav with the crimes, which stem from allegations from four women who worked for the Israeli president, the ministry said.
Three months ago, Mazuz recommended Katsav temporarily step down as president -- a mostly ceremonial position in Israel's government -- as he considered a number of charges against Katsav, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual harassment.
Katsav has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyer has said that he is the victim of blackmail.
A previous Israeli president and several prime ministers have been suspected of financial misdeeds and a former defense minister was convicted of sexual harassment. But the charges facing Katsav are the most serious criminal counts brought against a serving Israeli official.
The investigation of Katsav began in early 2006 after a former employee alleged he forced her to have sex under the threat of dismissal.
Police repeatedly questioned Katsav at his official residence and seized personal documents.
Katsav was appointed president by parliament in 2000 after President Ezer Weizman resigned amid allegations of corruption.
Though the Israeli president's role is mostly ceremonial, Razi Barkai, a political journalist for more than 30 years, told CNN these accusations, true or not, will mean an end to Katsav's political career.
News of a possible presidential sex scandal, which was overshadowed when it broke during Israel's war with Hezbollah, has recently become the focus of national media coverage.
CNN's Shira Medding contributed to this report
• Katsav denies wrongdoing, his lawyer says he is victim of blackmail
• Investigation began after former employee alleged he forced her to have sex
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel's President Moshe Katsav will be indicted on rape charges, the Israeli Justice Ministry said Tuesday.
Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz determined that there is enough evidence to charge Katsav with the crimes, which stem from allegations from four women who worked for the Israeli president, the ministry said.
Three months ago, Mazuz recommended Katsav temporarily step down as president -- a mostly ceremonial position in Israel's government -- as he considered a number of charges against Katsav, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual harassment.
Katsav has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyer has said that he is the victim of blackmail.
A previous Israeli president and several prime ministers have been suspected of financial misdeeds and a former defense minister was convicted of sexual harassment. But the charges facing Katsav are the most serious criminal counts brought against a serving Israeli official.
The investigation of Katsav began in early 2006 after a former employee alleged he forced her to have sex under the threat of dismissal.
Police repeatedly questioned Katsav at his official residence and seized personal documents.
Katsav was appointed president by parliament in 2000 after President Ezer Weizman resigned amid allegations of corruption.
Though the Israeli president's role is mostly ceremonial, Razi Barkai, a political journalist for more than 30 years, told CNN these accusations, true or not, will mean an end to Katsav's political career.
News of a possible presidential sex scandal, which was overshadowed when it broke during Israel's war with Hezbollah, has recently become the focus of national media coverage.
CNN's Shira Medding contributed to this report