Lawyers for former President Moshe Katzav have sharply criticized critics of the plea bargain worked out with Attorney General Menachem Mazuz. "The blood of Katsav has been shed in scenes reminiscent of witches being burned at the stake after being sentenced by the multitudes during the Middle Ages," his attorneys wrote to the High Court, which is considering a petition against the plea bargain.  

They charged that the media has tied Katzav "on the stake."

Katzav last year also lashed out at critics and denied that he was guilty of any sexual offenses but now has pleaded guilty to several charges in the plea bargain, which eliminated charges of rape and allowed Katzav to stay out of jail. The plea bargain is subject to court approval.