JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli court on Wednesday ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appear for the opening of his criminal trial in Jerusalem on Sunday.


Netanyahu’s attorneys had asked the court for an exemption from appearing for the opening of proceedings.


The court rejected the request, saying that the accused appearing for the reading of the indictment is the rule and there are no grounds for granting Netanyahu an exemption in this case.


Netanyahu was indicted on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes earlier this year.