Gal-On: Mazuz shouldn't handle Katsav case
Following former president's decision to renege on plea bargain, Meretz MK calls on attorney general to disqualify himself from handling case, saying Mazuz has lost trust of complainants and Katsav
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz should no longer handle former President Moshe Katsav's case, Knesset Member Zahava Gal-On (Meretz) said Wednesday. According to Gal-On, Mazuz should disqualify himself from handling the case since he "has lost both the complainants' trust as well as that of Katsav."
She called on Mazuz to turn over the case to State Prosecutor Moshe Lador.
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The former president shocked both judges and prosecutors Tuesday by his decision to renege on the plea deal he has signed with the State, and declaring his intention to fight to "prove his innocence."
Following this court drama, Mazuz hinted that Katsav could now be facing the original indictment against him, which involved a list of severe charges, including rape.
"Mazuz has failed ethically, professionally and morally by signing the shameful plea bargain with Katsav and defending it at the High Court, thus taking part in slandering and defaming the complainants," Gal-On stated.
Former State Prosecutor Eran Shendar, who has led the prosecution against Katsav until recently, said Wednesday that the State Prosecutor's Office stance on the case was that if a plea bargain does not materialize, Katsav should be indicted for rape.
Aviram Zino contributed to this report
