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Israel's Katsav faces rape charge Israel's Katsav faces rape charge
(30 minutes later)
Israeli President Moshe Katsav is to be charged with rape and abuse of power, the ministry of justice has announced. Israel's ministry of justice says it plans to charge the country's largely ceremonial head of state, Moshe Katsav, with rape and abuse of power.
Correspondents say a final decision on the indictment will be made only after a hearing, in which Mr Katsav will be able to present his side of the case. Formal charges against him can made only after a hearing in which he will be able to present his case.
Mr Katsav, whose position is largely ceremonial, has denied any wrongdoing. Mr Katsav denies allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by several female employees in recent months.
He has faced allegations of rape and sexual misconduct from several female employees. There has been no comment from the president or his office. The recommendation to indict him comes amid a flurry of corruption allegations against top-level Israeli politicians.
The has been no comment from Mr Katsav or his office.
The president enjoys immunity in Israel, but he can be prosecuted after he leaves office.The president enjoys immunity in Israel, but he can be prosecuted after he leaves office.
Mr Katsav's seven-year term ends later in 2007, but his lawyers have previously indicated he might resign if he was indicted.Mr Katsav's seven-year term ends later in 2007, but his lawyers have previously indicated he might resign if he was indicted.
Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz's office issued a statement saying that it had collected enough evidence to support an indictment against Mr Katsav on charges of rape, harassment, abuse of power and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz's office issued a statement saying that it had collected enough evidence to support an indictment against Mr Katsav on charges of rape, harassment, abuse of power and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.
Iranian-born Mr Katsav, 60, was a journalist before standing for parliament as a candidate for the right-ring Likud party in 1977.
He acted as power broker within the party and rose to ministerial positions.
He was the first member of a right-wing political party to became Israeli president, beating off the challenge of Labour veteran Shimon Peres in 2000.
Mr Katsav's predecessor, Ezer Weizman, left office early in contraversial circumstances after the attorney general found he had accepted improper gifts. He was never charged with any crime.