Shocking

Israeli Leader Convicted of Rape

Former President Moshe Katsav faces four years in prison.

The Israeli court convicted former President Moshe Katsav of two counts of rape on Thursday, rejecting his pleas of innocence, and sealing his fate to at least four years in prison. Katsav was accused of raping former employees during his time as president, but stepped down two weeks before his term expired in 2007 after complaints were lodged against him. Katsav agreed to a deal that would have him admit to a lesser charge of sexual misconduct. But in April 2009, Katsav revoked the plea deal and wanted to clear his name in court. Then the Israeli court and a district court in Tel Aviv found him guilty of both rape and sexual misconduct. He was also found guilty of raping an employee in 1998 while serving as the country's minister of tourism. Katsav still maintains his innocence and says that he is part of a political witch-hunt.