Calls grow for Katsav to quit
2007-01-24 10:56
Jerusalem - Calls were growing in Israel on Wednesday for President Moshe Katsav to resign, or suspend himself from office, after the attorney-general recommended he be indicted for rape, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice and breach of trust.
Israel Radio reported on Wednesday morning that attorney-general Menahem Mazuz has called on Katsav to immediately take leave of absence, and legislators have begun collecting the 20 signatures needed to convene the Knesset house committee to discuss the affair.
Katsav enjoys immunity from prosecution while in office, but can be impeached if two-thirds of the Knesset's 120 legislators support such a move.
Education minister Yuli Tamir said Katsav should quit immediately as it was impossible to educate students to honour the presidency when its incumbent had been accused of such serious charges.
Katsav was slated to hold a news conference later in the day, and his attorney, David Libai, said it was possible he would honour a promise he made to step down temporarily if charges were filed.
Mazuz announced on Tuesday that he was recommending the president be indicted on charges of rape, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice and breach of trust, following a months-long investigation into allegations that the 61-year-old Katsav sexually harassed several former females employees.
A final decision whether to formally indict the president will only be made after a hearing, where Katsav will be able to present his version of events.
Sapa-dpa
- SAPA