Ex-Israel head on rape charge

ISRAEL’S ex-president, 63-year-old Moshe Katsav, was formally charged yesterday with several counts of rape, sexual harassment and an indecent act, the justice ministry said.

The move follows a March 8 announcement by prosecutors that they would indict the Iranian-born father-of-five who was forced to step down from office over the charges two years ago.

A date for the start of his trial has not yet been set. At least 56 witnesses have been called to testify, the justice ministry said.