Israeli President Faces Rape Charge

SKY News
Oct. 16, 2006

Israeli police are recommending that the country's president, Moshe Katsav, should be charged with rape.

The recommendation came at a meeting between police investigators and Attorney General Meni Mazuz.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld confirmed that the meeting was taking place and that a formal announcement was expected.

Israel Radio and Channel 2 TV said the case against President Katsav is based on complaints by five women who allege he made unwanted sexual advances towards them.

The allegation relate to his tenure as president and before that as a government minister.

Complaints by five other women are not being pursued because the statute of limitations has run out, the reports said.

A senior investigator said earlier there was enough evidence to indict the president on "some of the matters" that were investigated.

The investigation has included questioning on allegations of sexual harassment, electronic eavesdropping and granting pardons in exchange for cash.

President Katsav has denied all wrongdoing. However, if indicted he would likely have to step aside. In Israel, the president holds a largely ceremonial role with little authority, but is considered a unifying force in a fractured society.

The investigation began earlier this year after a former employee alleged she was forced to have sex under the threat of dismissal.