Justice Minister Ramon submits resignation
Ramon resigns after attorney general oficially announces Sunday that minister will be indicted for sexual harassment
Justice Minister Haim Ramon submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Sunday, following Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's formal announcement that Ramon will be indicted.
Mazuz on Sunday officially decided to indict
Ramon who relinquished his parliamentary immunity to stand trial for sexual harassment offenses.
The indictment, which will be filed at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court, accuses Ramon of having sexually harassed a young woman by "placing his lips on her lips and inserting his tongue in her mouth.
Ramon sent a letter Sunday to Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik and to Knesset House Committee Chairman Ruhama Avraham to inform them he was foregoing his parliamentary immunity ahead of his expected trial.
On Sunday, Ramon was expected to resign his post after Attorney General Menachem Mazuz decided to indict him on charges of an indecent act after kissing a young woman who asked to get her picture taken with him at his office.
"I'm certain of my innocence. The court will prove it," Ramon said after being informed of the decision to indict him. He then asked that his trial start as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has not yet decided on a replacement for Ramon and the PM's office said he has not yet spoken with possible candidates. According to the procedure, Ramon's resignation will go into effect 48 hours after his letter is submitted.
