Former Justice Minister Haim Ramon
Photo: Niv Calderon
Ramon: She flirted, I played along
Former justice minister takes stand at his trial for first time, describes chain of events leading up to controversial kiss with complainant
Former Justice Minister Haim Ramon, who currently stands trial for sexual harassment charges, testified in his trial Wednesday for the first time.
Ramon said that the complainant, "Came on to me, flirted with me and even said she'd give up her boyfriend in order that I come to Costa Rica with her."
The former minister also described the kiss in question: "She approaches me, stands close, 15-20 centimeters. I'm taller than her… she raised her head and gave me that inviting smile. I bow my head down to her and she doesn't flinch – on the contrary. We kiss a spontaneous, brief kiss that lasts two or three seconds, and she cooperates all along."
"I did not put my tongue in her mouth, I did not intend to put my tongue in her mouth. I was certain she wanted the kiss, like she wanted everything else up to this point," he added.
Ramon said that he was not surprised by the complainant's behavior. "It's not a surprise for me that women, even in such ages, make a move at me. It's not unusual. I was not amazed by what went on," he explained. Ramon also admitted that he was flattered by the complainant's behavior, saying that any man would have probably felt the same.
However, he added, "I played along with her although according to the protocol I should have acted differently."
Prior to Ramon, Chief Superintendent Eran Kamin, who headed the investigation in the case, took the stand. He claimed that during his interrogation Ramon provided the police with contradicting reports about his actions.
