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Menachem Mazuz, Attorney-General of Israel, has said he plans to charge Israel's President Moshe Katsav with rape, abuse of power and other sexual offences.

The move marks the end of a seven-month investigation that turned into one of several scandals that have hit the government heavily.

Katsav, who as President has largely ceremonial powers, will have the chance to make his case in one final hearing before a decision is made to hand down a formal indictment. His lawyers had earlier suggested he would resign if charged, but reports suggested that he did not intend to resign for now.

The President has always maintained his innocence. If charged, it would be the first time a sitting Israeli President has been indicted with a crime.

Several MPs have called for Katsav's immediate resignation. Limor Livnat, a former Cabinet Minister from the Likud party, to which Katsav belongs, told Army Radio: "The President must resign immediately. There is no room for manoeuvres or backflips."

The case against Katsav is based in part on testimony from several female employees. He allegedly assaulted one woman and forced another to have sex with him in his office. A string of other allegations were also investigated.

The office of Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz said it now had enough evidence to support charges against the President, including rape, harassment, sexual relations involving the abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and illegally accepting gifts.

The incident first emerged in July 2006 when the President himself complained to the Attorney-General that he was being blackmailed by the woman he is now suspected of raping. But once the investigation began, the focus turned on the President himself and the Israeli press was filled with lurid accounts of the case.

Katsav's lawyer has said the President is innocent and that some of the evidence came from employees who were angry at losing their jobs.

Katsav's term as President expires in July 2007, and it may take several weeks before a final indictment hearing is held. His predecessor, Ezer Weizman, had resigned just before the end of his term after he was found to have improperly accepted gifts, though he was not charged.

Haim Ramon, who was forced to resign as Justice Minister, is now on trial for indecent assault, accused of forcibly kissing a young female soldier. The verdict in his case is due at the end of the month.

Last week, prosecutors said they were opening a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert over his involvement in the sale of part of an Israeli bank when he was Finance Minister.

At least two other political cases involving Olmert are being studied and may yet lead to more criminal investigations. The Prime Minister has denied any wrongdoing. The President enjoys immunity while in office and could be tried only after his resignation or the end of his term.

Labels: International Politics

posted by a correspondent @ 1:01 AM

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