Israeli PM's corruption trial opens

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial opened on Sunday in Jerusalem, marking the first time a sitting prime minister in Israel stands a criminal trial.

As he arrived at the Jerusalem District Court, Netanyahu launched an all-out attack against the justice system, charging the trial is a conspiracy by media, police, prosecution, and leftists to oust him.

With his right-wing Likud party ministers standing around him, Netanyahu accused the justice system of carrying out "an attempt to eliminate the will of the people" and an "attempt to depose a strong right-wing leader."

Hundreds have rallied outside the court, protesting in support of Netanyahu and against him.

The first session of the unprecedented trial, in which Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, opened a week after Israel's longest-serving leader was sworn in for a fifth term.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)