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Israeli president in sex probe
22/08/2006 22:45 - (SA)
Josef Federman
Jerusalem - Israel's President Moshe Katsav was summoned for questioning in a sexual harassment investigation, police said on Tuesday, after seizing computers and documents in a late-night raid on his official residence.
The probe marked the latest in a string of scandals involving top officials and shocked the country at a time of growing malaise after the recent war in Lebanon and discontent with the nation's leaders.
"This combination of an unfortunate and unsuccessful war on one hand, and corruption on the other hand, is a deadly combination," said commentator Yossi Sarid, a former lawmaker.
At least two former female employees have accused Katsav of harassing them, said police.
One of the women reportedly also alleged that Katsav received money for granting pardons. Katsav has denied wrongdoing.
Police plan to question Katsav at his residence on Wednesday, said police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld.
Seized his personal computer
The president's office wouldn't comment on the raid, but said he would co-operate with the investigation.
"The president is interested in giving his full version and to prove the lies of the serious accusations," said a statement.
In previous statements, Katsav has said all his dealings with female employees have been professional and rejected the graft accusation as absurd.
A police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigators had seized Katsav's personal computer. Investigators were to review Katsav's e-mail traffic as well as the pardons he granted during his term, which began in 2000, the official said.
The president serves a single seven-year term.
Israeli presidents enjoy immunity from trial on charges related to their tenure in office, but are not immune from investigation, the justice ministry has said.
- AP
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