(dpa) - After a lengthy appeal by women's advocacy groups, Israel's Highest Court of Justice approved a plea bargain signed by former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, under which he is to escape prison and face lesser sexual harassment charges than initially anticipated.
A panel of five judges voted three against two that the plea bargain was legitimate, and rejected petitions submitted by the women's groups and by the attorneys of several women who complained against Katsav, accusing him of severe sexual harassment, including rape.
Under the bargain signed in June 2006, Katsav will get a suspended sentence and a fine. He will admit to committing an "indecent act."