TEL AVIV, Israel, March 29 (UPI) -- An Israeli court that convicted a former minister of an indecent act -- kissing a female soldier -- Thursday ruled it was not a malicious crime.
The court thus removed a legal hurdle that would have prevented his return to the Cabinet. The former minister, Haim Ramon, had served in several Cabinets and has been a close friend and adviser to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
The affair that brought him to court occurred last summer in the prime minister's office when a female officer asked to have her picture taken with him. She put her hand around his waste, and Ramon kissed her, sticking his tongue into her mouth. The woman complained, and Ramon, who was justice minister, resigned to stand trial.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate Court convicted him, using harsh language, but some people criticized the judges. The most scathing criticism came from Professor Daniel Friedmann, who several days later became justice minister.
The judges Thursday ruled that Ramon was not guilty of an infamous crime. They noted the kiss was not a severe offence and they were "certain the lesson was learnt and that from now on the accused will be extra cautious." The court sentenced Ramon to 120 hours of community service and ordered him to compensate the woman with approximately $3,600.
One possibility is that Ramon might replace Finance Minister Avraham Hirchson, who police have been investigating over suspected corruption. However, some legal experts believe Ramon's return to the Cabinet might not be that easy.
Former Minister Moshe Shahal, an attorney by profession, told Israel Radio the kiss violates public norms. If Ramon is nominated for a Cabinet position, someone will take the case to the High Court of Justice, Shahal predicted.
