Disgraced Israel ex-president in sex plea bargain

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel's Supreme Court was scheduled on Tuesday to hear a plea bargain between the state and disgraced ex-president Moshe Katsav over a string of sex offences that sparked national outrage.

Under the bargain, Katsav has confessd to a series of offences, including harassment and indecent acts. But two rape charges have been dropped, meaning he will escape a possible jail term.

Court proceedings against Katsav were previously held up after protestors lodged six appeals at the supreme court against the compromise deal struck by Israel's top legal advisor, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.

On July 25, the supreme court ordered the prosecution to explain its decision to drop the rape charges, branding the decision "lax".

Mazuz said he...