President to be Indicted on Rape, Corruption Charges 17:53 Jan 23, '07 / 4 Shevat 5767 by Hana Levi Julian

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz Tuesday afternoon announced his decision to indict President Moshe Katsav on rape and corruption charges.

Mazuz informed Katsav’s attorneys that he plans to issue an indictment on a number of serious crimes relating to favors he received while in government service. The Nfc news service reported attorney general’s office said Mazuz accepted all police recommendations that were filed in the case. after reviewing Katsav’s responses during the numerous sessions in which he was questioned on the charges.

The case now goes to a hearing, which will be held in the next several months. An indictment will follow, said Mazuz.

Justice Ministry officials said they expect Katsav to suspend himself in response to the announcement. Knesset members from across the political spectrum joined the calls for Katsav to resign in the face of Mazuz's decision.

According to Israeli law, a sitting president cannot be prosecuted on criminal charges. However, an 80 percent majority vote in the Knesset can force a president to resign, thereby enabling the criminal case to move ahead.

Likud Knesset member Michael Eitan, who is close to Katsav, told reporters after the announcement that he personally wishes his friend well, but as a legislator he has to act in a responsible manner and advise Katsav to resign if the indictment is indeed filed after the hearing.

Katsav has denied the charges and said, according to Channel 10 TV news, that he does not intend to resign

The time has come for the people to have leaders that will bring pride to the common man once again and our county.