Prosecution counters Netanyahu’s request for absence from trial opening
The State Prosecution Tuesday rejected PM Binyamin Netanyahu’s request to absent himself from the opening of his trial on the grounds that the opening session is “technical.” It is the start of a trial, said the prosecution, and the defendant is obliged to be present. Netanyahu’s trial on charges of bribery, breach of faith and fraud opens on Sunday before a three-judge panel of the Jerusalem District Court. The prosecution did not rule out the prime minister’s absence from future court sessions depending on circumstances.