This is a problem the world over. Those who scream the loudest for accountability are loath to be held accountable themselves.

Here is the argument of the state: "The deals reflect relative and pragmatic justice and are based on the parties’ perception regarding the chances for conviction or acquittal" Relative justice here is equal to jail time for the poor and most outside the political elite. No jail time for the rich and powerful. Pragmatic justice means that the state prosecutor lacks the balls to go to trial and let a judge decide the facts of the case. Perception of the case means there are buy offs in terms of evaluating how prosecuting would affect careers down the road. The stance of the state in this case is shameful and hopefully the Supreme Court will deny the plea bargin and kick it back to a trial court. Let Katsav defend himself in an open court where his victims can describe his serial rape attempts. And let the world see that Israel's court system is mature and capable of putting even its president on trial so that no one will be above the law.