Ramon (right) with PM Olmert
Photo: Yoav Galai
High Court: Ramon can serve as minister despite conviction
Petitions lodged by women's groups against vice premier, who was convicted of forcibly kissing a female soldier, rejected. 'Ramon's offense is considered a one-time failure that does not indicate an innate moral defect,' judge says in ruling
The High Court of Justice rejected on Thursday the petitions filed against Vice Premier Haim Ramon's reinstatement in the government in light of his past conviction of indecent behavior, for forcibly kissing a female soldier.
Sex Crime
Police say they have sufficient evidence to indict private investigations firm for conducting surveillance on woman vice premier was convicted of forcibly kissing. No criminal evidence found against Ramon's brother-in-law
The petitions were lodged by several women's organizations and the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel.
"Ramon's offense is deemed by the courts as a one-time failure that does not indicate an innate moral defect that could disqualify him from serving as a public official," Judge Ayala Procaccia wrote in her ruling.
According to Judge Asher Gronis, the court was not authorized to intervene in the appointment as the Knesset had already approved it.
Judge Edna Arbel, who wrote the dissenting opinion, said "the fact that someone is qualified to serve as a minister does not contradict the obligation to take his criminal past into account.
"(Ramon's) appointment, under the aforementioned circumstances, hinders the basic principles that the rule of law is based on, principles that a well-managed society cannot exist without," she said.
