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Katsav. Movin' on up
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Suspected felon's new office
Photo: Jeremy Feldman

Rights groups slam Katsav's new office

After state grants former president luxury office, women's groups launch letter to Finance Ministry asking why it had altered its decision to supply suspected sex offender with modest means. 'This constitutes contempt for complainants,' letter says

Women's groups are up in arms over the Finance Ministry's decision to grant former President Moshe Katsav a new and expensive office located on the 49th floor of the Beit Amot Mishpat office building in Tel Aviv. A top police official has recommended Katsav be indicted on rape charges.

 

On Monday dozens of women's groups banded together to send an official letter to the ministry, demanding that it explain why Katsav had received a glamorous office and personal advisors. They claim the State's conduct constitutes "contempt for the complainants".

 

Katsav, who was forces to resign after being charged with several counts of sexual harassment, reneged on the plea bargain agreement in April. The Attorney General's Office has yet to file a new indictment in his case and therefore he has yet to stand trial.

 

The letter claimed the Finance Ministry had gone back on its word in providing Katsav with his wish list, which includes a fancy car in addition to the office and advisors.

 

"We don't understand what caused the change in your fair and reasonable decision on the matter, from giving Katsav a modest car and office… to giving in to Katsav's excessive and pricey demands," the letter states.

 

Beit Amot Mishpat is considered one of Tel Aviv's prime locations, and houses many embassies, as well as offices held by former presidents and prime ministers.

 

The women's organizations asked the ministry for "an explanation for the drastic change in your decision, a decision signifying high costs for the country to benefit someone who is suspected of serious sexual offences."

 

Chairwoman of the women's lobby, Attorney Rina Bartal, wondered why the prosecution had not yet filed Katsav's indictment, after it had announced it would do so in April.

 

"While the prosecution is dragging its feet, Katsav has already managed to move into a fancy office and adorn himself with a luxury car," Bartal said. "There is no doubt the prosecution's conduct is sending a difficult message to the public and displaying contempt for the complainants."

 

'Katsav should face rape charges'

The Finance Ministry had previously stated that in the absence of a court order stripping Katsav of his rights as a former president, the State is obligated to provide him with an office.

 

In response to the letter it stated that "the authority to alter Katsav's rights belongs solely to the Knesset, and as long as the Knesset members have elected not to change these rights, the ministry is obligated to fulfill the letter of the law."

 

Major General Yohanan Denino, head of police Intelligence and Investigations Department, told Channel 2 news police had a great deal of evidence on Katsav, and that he believed the former president should be indicted on rape charges.

 

His statement contradicted earlier comments by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, who had previously stated that the factual evidence on which the charges were based was flawed.

 

"I stand behind our recommendations upon summing up the evidence in this case as we filed it," Denino said, adding that it was "only proper" for Katsav to face rape charges.

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.17.08, 22:53
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