The Israeli transsexual singer who won this year's Eurovision song contest, Dana International, has appeared in court, on charges of assault.

The singer, who appeared before a magistrates' court in Rehevot, near Tel Aviv, denied pushing a waitress and throwing a bottle at another during a show more than two years ago.

Dana's Eurovision victory last month prompted celebrations in Tel Aviv.

But she has been strongly criticised by Orthodox Jews.

One government minister described her as an abomination.