One of the women who accused former President Moshe Katzav of sexual misconduct has asked the Supreme Court to respect a plea bargain signed between Katzav and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.
The woman, known to the public as “L,” is one of two complainants whose accusations were included in the plea bargain agreement. Charges by a third woman were dropped.
The Movement for Quality Government, the Women’s Caucus, and another complainant against Katzav all filed appeals against the plea bargain.
“L” gave a statement via her lawyer supporting the deal, in which Katzav admitted to her accusations of inappropriate behavior and tampering with a witness.
She rejected claims that the plea bargain was insulting to Katzav’s accusers, telling others to “speak in their own name” and not in hers.
The former president last year denied that he was guilty of any sexual offenses, but has since agreed to admit guilt in several lesser charges in exchange for the state dropping the charge of rape, which carries a seven-year prison sentence. The plea bargain is subject to court approval.
The five-member panel of justices hearing the case includes Court President Dorit Beinish, Deputy Supreme Court President Eliezer Rivlin, and Judges Ayala Procaccia, Edmond Levi and Asher Grunis.
Six petitions were filed by women’s groups and complainants demanding the court void the plea bargain agreement signed by Mazuz and Katzav. Hearings on the case are to be continued this week.