Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., April 09, 2008 Nisan 4, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:33 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

'A' from the President's Residence. (Archives) Last update - 19:01 08/04/2008 Katsav accuser: Decision to drop plea deal stems from denial By Ruth Sinai and Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: prosecution, Katsav, Amir  A spokesperson for 'A' from the President's Residence said Tuesday that she was pleased with the decision to drop the plea bargain deal over the sex crime charges brought against Katsav. "Regardless, 'A' was going to initiate civil proceedings against Katsav and, from our perspective, he would have stood trial for his treatment of 'A.' Now that a new opportunity has presented itself, 'A' is not going to veer from the course she has chosen," the spokesman said. 'A' from the Tourism Ministry was not part of the plea bargain deal because the prosecution felt her testimony was not credible enough and too contradictory. She was the first to accuse the former president of rape. Police found her story persuasive and recommended a rape charge. Advertisement 'A' from the Tourism Ministry said that Katsav's "decision stems from denial and a world view devoid of morals, because I know that he did what he did. This simply suicide, but I welcome the decision." Although her complaint against Katsav was not part of the indictment, 'A' from the Tourism Ministry will likely be summoned as a witness for the prosecution. "I knew what I was I getting and I have no problem testifying; I have nothing to hide." Katsav's attorney: Accusers got what they wanted "I see the representatives of the plaintiffs before me, smiles of satisfaction spread across their faces - you wanted it and you got it," said Moshe Katsav's lawyer, attorney Zion Amir, Tuesday following protests by women's rights groups over the plea bargain, which saw rape charges against the ex-president dropped in return for his resignation. Amir also said that "There were many reasons for canceling the plea bargain. [Katsav] had several reasons that, combined, brought him to this decision. You should check what it is that you did to this man that brought him to this moment." The prosecution said in response that "we are sorry for the behavior and fickle conduct of the defense. We now return to the point that we were at on the eve of the plea bargain's finalization. We will formulate a decision over an indictment, within the next few days." Women protesting outside the courtroom said that "this entire affair is a disgrace, and there should not have been a plea bargain to begin with." MK Livnat: Katsav plea bargain deal was flawed from the start Knesset members from across the political spectrum reacted to the decision to drop the plea bargain. MK Limor Livnat (Likud) said in response to decision to drop the plea bargain agreement that "it is good that the embarrassing farce of the plea bargain has been canceled." MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) said that "a case such is this should be thoroughly debated in court." MK Haim Oron (Meretz) said that it is good this dubious plea bargain has come to an end and that the serious charges against Katsav will be thoroughly scrutinized in public. Related articles: Katsav accuser: President turned me into sex slave Source: High Court shouldn't cancel Katsav plea bargain Bookmark to del.icio.us   Falk's folly Israel will refuse entry to the UN's Richard Falk for equating Israel to Nazi Germany. Peace when? After 30 years, the public has adopted Peace Now's views, but peace is still elusive.   1.   Sneaky lawyers well served 17:29  |  Special interests 08/04/08   2.   Katsav had macho counsel... 17:33  |  Esther 08/04/08   3.   "A" has nothing to hide?? 17:48  |  Binyamin DIssen 08/04/08   4.   There are unproven accusations of Karsav and vehement denials by 18:53  |  Max Zinger P.Chimist 08/04/08   5.   forget about katzav,the real rapist is olmert 20:32  |  chaim 08/04/08   6.   Yes Chaim-Yankl of Brooklyn, NY. Besides advice from far-away 20:54  |  Zionist 08/04/08   7.   Haaretz is working itself to Frenzie 21:19  |  Assulin 08/04/08   8.   Bravo Aleph! 21:51  |  sandra chitayat 08/04/08

Today Online Bradley Burston: I want the Palestinians to win Responses: 181 Evangelist to Yoffie: 'I'm not trying to undermine peace' Responses: 126 Moshe Arens: Making Palestine Judenrein Responses: 116 Vice PM: Ofra settlement homes built on private Palestinian land Responses: 111 Barghouti peace overture to be read at Peace Now rally Responses: 109 Rosner's Domain Guest: "Enough with occupation guilt; Gaza isn't Auschwitz" Shut Up, I'm Talking! a dialogue Pastor Hagee vs. rabbi Yoffie, round two Poll: Yoffie or Hagee - you can vote! Rice for Vice? (WTR) More Headlines 22:54 Complainant against Katsav seeks to reenter rape charge in new indictment 19:01 Katsav accuser: Decision to drop plea deal stems from denial 02:25 IDF home front chief: Israelis ready to meet any threats 02:23 IDF begins clearing out West Bank settlements' armories 01:48 Israel to deny UN official entry for comparing Israel to Nazis 21:14 Peace Now: Our views are now mainstream but peace still elusive 20:56 Anaylsis: All outcomes possible in Katsav sex crimes case 20:49 Tunnel meant for terrorist infiltration found in N. Gaza 22:19 Interior Ministry, Finance Ministry employees to strike Wednesday 20:40 Strikes cost Israeli economy over 2.5 million workdays in 2007 Previous Editions Select Day 08 apr 07 apr 06 apr 04 apr 03 apr 02 apr 01 apr 31 mar 30 mar 28 mar 27 mar 26 mar

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