Katsav denies all charges as rape trial begins

The trial of former President Moshe Katsav, indicted on charges of sexual offenses, opened Thursday at the Tel Aviv District Court.

The first stage of the official legal proceedings began with the official reading of the indictment against the former president, and him entering a plea of "Not guilty" on all counts. His attorney Zion Amir said, "We will file our response within 30 days," and stressed, "We completely deny all charges, and this will not change."

The three-judge panel presiding over the case, comprised of the honorable George Karra, Miriam Sokolov and Judith Shevach, announced that the trial will resume on September 1, with opening arguments.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse before the trial, Katsav said, "I am here for a long trial to fight for my innocence." 

The former president added, "Here I won't be sentenced without being seen, without being heard, and without having all the material of the investigation read... We are heading out on a long and difficult battle to clear my name. God willing, I will remain innocent."

"A year ago, I decided to pass on a plea bargain, a plea bargain that was defined by the Supreme Court president as a light and minor one. I did this to fight for my innocence. I am here today by choice, and I am heading out on a long, difficult journey to fight for my innocence," he said.

"The State Prosecutor's Office has been saying for two years that they have doubts, that there is a good chance for a full acquittal… Five prosecution officials have said the case should be closed," he added.

The former president was indicted on two counts of rape and forceful indecent act against complainant A. of the Tourism Ministry, and two counts of sexual harassment against complainants H. and L. of the Office of the President.

The indictment also included a charge of obstruction of justice and witness tampering in L.'s case.

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'Katsav to prison, and now!'

Dozens of demonstrators from the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel protested outside the courthouse as Katsav and his bodyguards entered.

Protest outside the courthouse (Photo: Yaron Brener)

The protesters wore t-shirts saying "We are all complainant A." and shouted "Katsav to prison, and now!".

Dorit Avramovitch, of the campaign to have Katsav tried, said, "For us, there aren't that many options when there are more than 10 complainants that don't know each other and they all give the same story."

Avramovitch added, "We believe them, and don't doubt their testimonies. We hope for a speedy trial and that the rapist serves time in jail.

"Most of the public has no doubt that he is guilty, and it is clear to all that this is no coincidence, but a pattern of action, and we are here, along with women who have suffered from sexual assault themselves, to demonstrate solidarity, and to stress that the man is guilty of sexual harassment."

Aviad Glickman and Roi Mandel contributed to this report