Katsav denied early access to materials

Israel’s High Court of Justice denied Moshe Katsav’s petition to obtain early access to materials on his sexual misconduct case. Ha’aretz reported that the suspended Israeli president had requested the materials from the investigation leading up to a May hearing in which he will defend himself against allegations including rape. After the hearing, Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz will decide whether to indict Katsav. Justices Dorit Beinisch, Miriam Naor and Esther Hayut ruled
that “the right to view investigative material takes effect once an
indictment is filed. We do not accept the petitioner’s argument that
one who requests a hearing has the right to view investigative material
to the last detail,” Ha’aretz reported.Katsav was suspended from his presidency after the scandal broke. He is immune from prosecution while he holds office, but has vowed to step down if indicted.