Israeli president granted leave of absence
Legal World
[##_1L|1021933867.jpg|width="120" height="146" alt=""|_##]Israeli President Moshe Katsav, who may be indicted on rape and other sexual assault charges, had his request for a leave of absence granted Thursday by a parliamentary panel. Legislators approved the request, which could last up to six months, with a 13-11 vote.
Under Israeli law, Katsav had to receive the approval of a Knesset committee before he could be removed. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they have enough evidence to charge Katsav with rape, harassment, abusing his power for sex, obstructing justice and illegally distributing gifts while president and cabinet minister. Katsav has said publicly that he will resign if indicted. In an emotional news conference Wednesday, he blamed the media for their "witch hunt," "McCarthyism" and "persecution."
Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert added to the growing political pressure on Katsav to resign. "Under these circumstances, there is no doubt in my mind that the president cannot continue to fulfill his position and he must leave the president's residence," Olmert said at a security conference.
Attorney-General Meni Mazuz said Tuesday that while he planned to indict Katsav, he first wanted to give the president a chance to plead his case before him.
The first woman to accuse Katsav came forward last summer accusing him of forcing her to have sex in his office. Other women then came forward with similar accusations. If found guilty, Katsav could face more than 20 years in prison.
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Is Now the Time to Really Call a Special Education Lawyer?
IDEA, FAPE, CHILD FIND and IEPs: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees all children with disabilities to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). FAPE starts with a school’s responsibility to identify that a child has a disability (Child Find) and create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to suit the needs of the child.
Forte Law Group is one of only a very few law firms within the state of Connecticut that is dedicated to exclusively representing families and children with special needs.
Parents need to be persistent, dedicated and above all else aware of the many services and accommodations that their child is entitled to under the law. As early as this point within your child’s special education, many parents will often find themselves in the situation asking, “is now the time to really call a special education lawyer?” Here are a few things to consider when asking yourself that question.