No rape charge for Moti Malka, Kiryat Malachi mayor

Kiryat Malachi Mayor Moti Malka 

The Southern District Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday that subject to a hearing, Kiryat Malachi Mayor Moti Malka would be indicted on two counts of indecent acts against two complainants and a count of bribery for taking bribes from contractors employed by the municipality.

Sources close to Malka said in response: "Just as we said from day one, and as Malka repeatedly told police investigators, there were (sexual) relations but they were consensual and we are happy that the prosecution has realized that things are not as bad as some people tried to paint them."

 

The prosecution said in response that the case was recently reviewed and that various additions to the case were included. They also noted that several meetings were held with State Prosecutor Moshe Lador who will hold Malka's hearing.

The prosecutor's office explained that they decided that Malka, who was accused of raping two other women, would not be indicted for rape due to insufficient evidence.

Statute of limitations means that an additional count of indecent acts was removed from the indictment. Moreover, the prosecution decided to close the case against Malka's deputy, Yossi Sulimani due to lack of evidence.

The prosecutor's office stated: "As in other cases in this delicate sphere, the prosecution took the complex considerations which must be taken into account in assessing the events and the testimonies of the involved parties regarding these events."

The statement further noted that: "after a rigorous examination of the case, it was decided – among other reasons, for considerations which naturally, cannot be divulged to the public – that in light of the evidentiary material, there is no room to file an indictment against Mr. Malka on these two matters, due to a lack of reasonable chance of conviction."

Malka was arrested after a covert which began after the police were tipped off regarding financial improprieties and sexual harassment in city hall.

The investigation also revealed that they were embroiled in a bribery scheme involving fixed municipal bids.

Initially, the woman refused to file a police complaint, fearing she would be subjected to even more abuse.