JERUSALEM, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The impeachment process begun against Israeli President Moshe Katsav marks the first time Israel has attempted to prosecute a top leader, a report said.
Israel's Knesset, by overwhelmingly approving the proposed impeachment of Katsav on criminal charges, took the first steps towards removing the president from his post, Arutz Sheva reported.
As part of the process, Katsav is set to answer charges of rape, illegal eavesdropping and other criminal offenses at a Justice Ministry hearing, and may be indicted as well.
During a recent parliamentary discussion on the matter, attorney Zion Amir suggested to the committee that Katsav may be the victim in impeachment debates.
"We don't know if the complainants are the victims or President Moshe Katsav. Maybe they were raped but maybe the president is the one who was raped," Amir said.
Arutz Sheva said the committee, whose proceedings have been fraught with tension, could potentially send the issue to a full Knesset panel if 19 of its 25 members vote to continue the process.
