Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police want Israeli president to be charged with rape

Josef Federman
Sunday 15 October 2006 21:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police recommended yesterday that Israeli President Moshe Katsav be charged with rape, aggravated sexual assault and fraud, the most serious charges ever to face an Israeli leader.

The recommendations came at a meeting between police investigators and attorney general Meni Mazuz. The final decision on whether to put the president on trial is up to Mr Mazuz.

The police also found basis for charges of fraud and malfeasance in office - referring to the pardons granted by the president - as well as illegal wiretapping.

A police statement said the complaints were filed by "women who worked under his (Katsav's) authority". It said there was evidence he committed crimes of "rape, aggravated sexual assault, indecent acts without permission and offenses under the law to prevent sexual harassment".

Mr Katsav denied all wrongdoing. He claims the charges are politically motivated.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in