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Israel upholds Katsav plea deal Israel upholds Katsav plea deal
(40 minutes later)
Israel's Supreme Court has upheld a controversial plea bargain that allows ex-President Moshe Katsav to escape rape charges and possible jail.Israel's Supreme Court has upheld a controversial plea bargain that allows ex-President Moshe Katsav to escape rape charges and possible jail.
Under the terms of the deal which Mr Katsav made with the Attorney General, he will not be charged with rape.Under the terms of the deal which Mr Katsav made with the Attorney General, he will not be charged with rape.
Instead, he pleads guilty to two charges of sexual harassment, and will receive a suspended sentence. Instead, he pleads guilty to two charges of sexual harassment and will receive a suspended sentence.
Allegations of rape and sexual harassment were made by four women who had worked for the former president.Allegations of rape and sexual harassment were made by four women who had worked for the former president.
Women's rights have led the protests against the attorney general's decision to drop rape charges against Mr Katsav.Women's rights have led the protests against the attorney general's decision to drop rape charges against Mr Katsav.
A panel of five judges voted by three to two to reject six petitions to overturn the plea bargain made in June last year. A panel of five judges voted by three to two to reject petitions from six individuals and organisations to overturn the plea bargain made in June last year.
Originally, the police charged Moshe Katsav with rape, sexual harassment and abuse of power.Originally, the police charged Moshe Katsav with rape, sexual harassment and abuse of power.
But the controversial deal was made in June 2007 shortly before Moshe Katsav stepped down as president of Israel, a largely ceremonial role. Part of the controversial deal was for Moshe Katsav to step down as president of Israel, a largely ceremonial role.
He will also have to pay damages to his accusers.
Rape convictions in Israel carry a maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.