Israeli President Faces Charges Of Rape

Tel Aviv, Israel

Israeli police believe there is enough evidence to charge President Moshe Katsav with rape and wire-tapping, a police statement has said.

The recommendation came at a meeting between Attorney General Menachem Mazuz and police who have been investigating allegations against Mr Katsav.

Mr Mazuz will have the final say on whether Mr Katsav should face charges.

Mr Katsav denies claims that he forced two female employees to have sex with him, and all other allegations.

"There is sufficient evidence indicating that in several cases... the president carried out acts of rape, forced sexual acts, sexual acts without consent and sexual harassment," the police statement said.

"There is sufficient evidence indicating violation of the law banning wire-tapping by the president," it added.

Likud veteran

The statement said police also found basis for charges of fraud and malfeasance in office concerning presidential pardons granted by the president - one of the few powers of his office.

If charged, the 61-year-old father-of-five would be immune from prosecution.

However, he can be impeached by parliament if it feels he acted inappropriately.

Mr Katsav is a veteran member of the right-wing Likud party, serving as transport minister in the late 1980s and in 1996 as minister of tourism and deputy prime minister.

He has held the office of president, a largely ceremonial role, since 2000.
Credit: BBC News