Israeli president complains about "media lynch"

Israeli President Moshe Katsav said Sunday that "media lynch" disrupted the investigation of the truth, in response to the Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's recommendation that he should step down due to a series of scandals.

Katsav said in a statement that "the authorities must not let the media lynch disrupt the investigation of the truth," calling on the state authorities to do everything to get to the truth.

The statement noted the president was disappointed by media's daily leaks, which have been taking place for four months and hurting him, his family and the investigation itself.

Katsav reiterated that he was innocent and the allegations against him would sooner or later be proven to be false.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz recommended the nation's top citizen to step aside from his post before an indictment is issued against him.

Mazuz said in a statement that once the decision to indict Katsav is made, it will be improper and inappropriate for the president to remain on his post.

The attorney general is currently considering indicting the president on a number of charges, the most serious of which is two counts of rape.

Mazuz also suggested the president to be declared temporary

incapacitation, until a final decision is made on the indictment in the court hearing on the matter.

The investigation of Katsav began earlier this year after a former employee alleged he forced her to have sex under the threat of dismissal. Police repeatedly questioned Katsav at his official residence and seized personal documents.

Israeli police recommended two weeks ago that the president be indicted on charges including rape, aggravated sexual assault, fraud and illegal wiretapping.

Katsav is also suspected of harassing a witness and obstruction of justice, but the investigation on the issue has not completed.

According to the Basic Law of Israel, a sitting president is immune from prosecution.

Source: Xinhua