Palestinian president suspends top aide caught up in sex scandal

Palestinian official suspended over sex scandal

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has suspended one of his top aides under investigation for allegations of being involved in a sex scandal.

Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, says a three-member committee will check out the conduct of Rafiq Husseini, accused by a former Palestinian intelligence official of seeking to trade influence for sex.

Footage of Husseini undressing, getting into bed and calling a woman to join him were broadcast on Israeli TV last week, sending shock waves through conservative Palestinian society.

The report said Husseini will be suspended until the committee announces its findings in three weeks.

Husseini has said he was the victim of a conspiracy by Israelis and some Palestinians to discredit him and Abbas.