Katsav returns to Beit Hanassi from 'time-to-time'

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Sources close to President Moshe Katsav told Israel Radio on Monday that he arrives to the Beit Hanassi in Jerusalem "from time-to-time," despite repeated calls by Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz for him not to do so. Katsav faces a possible criminal indictment for sexual misconduct and a count of rape against four female government staffers, including one that still works at the presidential residence. Katsav's associates said he returned periodically since moving back to his hometown of Kiryat Malachi in late January in order to gather personal belongings that remain from his almost seven years at the compound. They said Katsav did not exercise any authority over staffers at the residence during his visit, or did he conduct any work from there. Legal analysts told reporters that Katsav was not in violation of any law by returning to the premises despite being granted a self-requested, official leave from his duties by the Knesset after Mazuz said on January 23 that he intended to indict the president for alleged misconduct and abuse of power.