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Katsav grilled over sex claims
23/08/2006 12:46 - (SA)
Jerusalem - Israeli President Moshe Katsav was being grilled by police on Wednesday over sexual harassment allegations in a scandal that could topple the head of state.
A team of investigators arrived at his office shortly before 10:00 to question him on suspicions of sexual harassment and granting illegal pardons at the request of associates.
"I can confirm that the investigators are there at the president's residence," said police spokesperson Mickey Rosenfeld. He said the questioning had begun and could last for a couple of hours, without providing further details.
Harassment, pardons
Wednesday marks the first time 61-year-old Katsav has been grilled by investigators since the allegations began to surface a few months ago.
Katsav is suspected of harassing two female employees into having sexual relations with him, threatening to sack them should they refuse.
The Iranian-born president will also be questioned about allegations that unlawful pardons were granted to prisoners by his office, the local media said.
Computers, documents confiscated
Police on Monday confiscated computers and documents from his official Jerusalem residence as inquiries gathered pace in what is fast becoming the biggest of a series of scandals compromising senior Israeli state figures.
A former leader of the opposition right-wing Likud party, Katsav was elected president in 2000 as the first conservative head of state in Israel.
A request by 20 MPs could see him summoned before a parliamentary commission where a three-quarters majority could lead to a hearing before the full parliament. A vote by 90 of the 120 MPs could see him forced to resign.
Justice minister resigned
Meanwhile, Israel's housing minister Meir Sheetrit was on Wednesday named interim justice minister to replace Haim Ramon who resigned earlier this week over accusations of sexual harassment, an official said.
Sheetrit, a senior member of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's centrist Kadima party, will keep the housing portfolio, the source said.
Ramon resigned on Sunday, several days after attorney general Menachem Mazuz decided to indict him over accusations of sexual harassment.
Kiss
A soldier reportedly said the justice minister had tried "to kiss her in an aggressive manner" during a social gathering at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv, days after Israel launched its 34-day war in Lebanon.
Ramon, a veteran MP and two-time interior minister, has categorically denied the allegations. "I am certain of my innocence and will prove it in court," the trained lawyer told national television last week.
- AFP
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