Women's groups hail Katsav indictment

Israeli women's organizations praise AG's decision to charge former president with rape in case of A. of Tourism Ministry. 'This is a day of celebration not only for Israeli society but for the notion of justice and the rule of law, says WIZO chairwoman

Yael Branovsky
Published: 03.08.09, 18:45 / Israel News

Israel's women's groups on Sunday praised Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's decision to indict former President Moshe Katsav of rape in the case of A., a former Tourism Ministry employee.

The decision on the tumultuous case was rendered, in a somewhat befitting twist of fate, on International Woman's Day.

Unprecedented Decision

Kastav to be indicted for rape / Aviad Glickman

Former president to face rape, indecent act, obstruction of justice charges in case involving A. of Tourism Ministry. 'Evidence supports indictment, conviction,' says Justice Ministry. Katsav not surprised by decision, eager to prove his innocence, says aide

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"We welcome this decision. All we wanted was for the courts to decide on this matter. We’ve seen A. through this ordeal right from the beginning. She always wanted her day in court and now she can finally have it… We just wish it had not taken so long," Nurit Tsur, director of the Israel's Women Network, told Ynet.

Dorit Abramovich, who headed a campaign led by 20 different women's group in favor of an indictment against the former president, reiterated the sentiment: "We are glad that after two years and a grave miscarriage of justice, Mazuz decided to rule in favor of the complainants.

"The social and judicial right served on behalf of the women hurt in this case by Mazuz reasserts our claim that sexual delinquency starts at the top. The women's groups pledge to keep on fighting until justice is served in full."

Symbolic decision

"How symbolic for this decision to be made on International Woman's Day," added Michal Rozin, head of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel. "We solute the courage of the decision… it is high time to end this miscarriage of justice, both for the women involved and for the public's sake.

"I have no doubt that once the court hears all the evidence and testimonies, recounting the behavior of the repeat sex offender Moshe Katsav, it would find him guilty."

Yochi Feller, chairperson of WIZO (Women's International Zionist Organization) also praised the decision, saying it was "an important message to victims of sexual assault across Israel – it makes no difference who your assailant is – he must pay the price.

"This is a day of celebration," added her statement, "Not only for Israeli society but for the notion of justice and the rule of law. This is a clear message to men everywhere – your title does not grant you immunity from prosecution."

A.'s attorney Daniel Srur offered the following on behalf of his client: "A. is pleased with the decision and welcomes the police and prosecution's confidence in her claim. I have no doubt that the court will demonstrate the same faith and will see that justice is done.

"We hope for a speedy trial. A. will not conduct this trial through the media in order not to compromise the legal proceedings. She will not use publicists or spin-doctors. She has the truth on her side."

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