14 july 2016
Former president Katsav on furlough from prison, flanked by his son Yisrael, to his left, and brother Lior, to his right
Four months after recommending against reducing a third of the former president's prison service, the authority changes its position after meeting with Katsav once more; as part of his rehabilitation, the convicted rapist will have to refrain from defaming his victims.
Four months after recommending not to grant former president Moshe Katsav an early release because he has not expressed remorse for his actions, the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority is now recommending releasing him immediately and has prepared a rehabilitation program for him.
The change in position came after representatives from the authority met again with Katsav, who is serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of rape and indecent acts.
Katsav appealed the rejection of his early release request, leading the court to order the second meeting with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, which was held on Monday.
In the meeting, Katsav expressed his desire to return home and go through an official rehabilitation program, after insisting in his previous meeting with the authority's representatives that he did not need rehabilitation.
It is believed that ahead of the second meeting, Katsav's family members and lawyers explained to him the importance of cooperating with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority.
Due to Katsav's change of heart, the authority changed its position as well and is now in support of reducing a third of Katsav's sentence, saying he is now considered fit for rehabilitation.
The authority prepared a detailed rehabilitation plan for Katsav to follow upon his release, which includes daily Torah lessons as well as regular meetings with a social worker and a psychologist who will help him reenter society. As part of his rehabilitation, the 71-year-old Katsav will have to refrain from defaming his victims.
The Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's new recommendation will be brought to the parole board that will convene on Wednesday to continue deliberations over Katsav's early release request.
Three and a half months ago, the parole board rejected Katsav's request, determining he was "self-involved, thinks he's a victim, and has no remorse." The rejection was based, among other things, on the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's recommendation not to release him.
"We did indeed recommend accepting former president Katsav's request to reduce a third of his sentence after having prepared a detailed rehabilitation plan for him," a senior authority official said. "However, it is important to note this is merely a recommendation, and the members of the parole board can accept or reject the recommendation based on their own consideration."
The parole board will also take into consideration the recommendation of Israel Prisons Service commanders regarding the prisoner's behavior, who said he was a model prisoner.
In addition, the board will consider the recommendation of the State Attorney regarding the danger the prisoner poses to society and the severity of his crimes, among others, as well as the position of Katsav's victims. Both the State Attorney and the victims oppose early release.
Prisoners are only allowed to petition the parole board once every six months, and so the State Attorney is against returning Katsav's request to the board, which deliberated on it in April, before October.
The parole board's decision is also influenced by the prisoner's age and health condition, the prisoner's appearance before the board, and what effect would the early release have on public trust, law enforcement and deterrence.
Katsav started serving his seven-year sentence at the Torani cellblock (a special bloc for religious prisoners —ed.) at the Maasiyahu Prison in Ramla in December 2011.
If the parole board approves his early release request, Katsav will be freed immediately, after having served more than four and a half years behind bars.
While Katsav's close associates were pleased with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's new recommendation, women rights organizations were dismayed by the decision.
"It was not my impression that a criminal who does not admit to his crimes and only smears his victims is fit for rehabilitation," said Na'amat chairwoman Galia Wolloch.
The Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) also protested the decision, saying "hundreds of thousands of sexual assault victims suffer all of their lives, without a third or even an hour reduced from the suffering they've been experiencing since they were raped. Katsav's release would be a betrayed of the public trust in law enforcement."
Four months after recommending against reducing a third of the former president's prison service, the authority changes its position after meeting with Katsav once more; as part of his rehabilitation, the convicted rapist will have to refrain from defaming his victims.
Four months after recommending not to grant former president Moshe Katsav an early release because he has not expressed remorse for his actions, the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority is now recommending releasing him immediately and has prepared a rehabilitation program for him.
The change in position came after representatives from the authority met again with Katsav, who is serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of rape and indecent acts.
Katsav appealed the rejection of his early release request, leading the court to order the second meeting with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, which was held on Monday.
In the meeting, Katsav expressed his desire to return home and go through an official rehabilitation program, after insisting in his previous meeting with the authority's representatives that he did not need rehabilitation.
It is believed that ahead of the second meeting, Katsav's family members and lawyers explained to him the importance of cooperating with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority.
Due to Katsav's change of heart, the authority changed its position as well and is now in support of reducing a third of Katsav's sentence, saying he is now considered fit for rehabilitation.
The authority prepared a detailed rehabilitation plan for Katsav to follow upon his release, which includes daily Torah lessons as well as regular meetings with a social worker and a psychologist who will help him reenter society. As part of his rehabilitation, the 71-year-old Katsav will have to refrain from defaming his victims.
The Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's new recommendation will be brought to the parole board that will convene on Wednesday to continue deliberations over Katsav's early release request.
Three and a half months ago, the parole board rejected Katsav's request, determining he was "self-involved, thinks he's a victim, and has no remorse." The rejection was based, among other things, on the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's recommendation not to release him.
"We did indeed recommend accepting former president Katsav's request to reduce a third of his sentence after having prepared a detailed rehabilitation plan for him," a senior authority official said. "However, it is important to note this is merely a recommendation, and the members of the parole board can accept or reject the recommendation based on their own consideration."
The parole board will also take into consideration the recommendation of Israel Prisons Service commanders regarding the prisoner's behavior, who said he was a model prisoner.
In addition, the board will consider the recommendation of the State Attorney regarding the danger the prisoner poses to society and the severity of his crimes, among others, as well as the position of Katsav's victims. Both the State Attorney and the victims oppose early release.
Prisoners are only allowed to petition the parole board once every six months, and so the State Attorney is against returning Katsav's request to the board, which deliberated on it in April, before October.
The parole board's decision is also influenced by the prisoner's age and health condition, the prisoner's appearance before the board, and what effect would the early release have on public trust, law enforcement and deterrence.
Katsav started serving his seven-year sentence at the Torani cellblock (a special bloc for religious prisoners —ed.) at the Maasiyahu Prison in Ramla in December 2011.
If the parole board approves his early release request, Katsav will be freed immediately, after having served more than four and a half years behind bars.
While Katsav's close associates were pleased with the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority's new recommendation, women rights organizations were dismayed by the decision.
"It was not my impression that a criminal who does not admit to his crimes and only smears his victims is fit for rehabilitation," said Na'amat chairwoman Galia Wolloch.
The Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) also protested the decision, saying "hundreds of thousands of sexual assault victims suffer all of their lives, without a third or even an hour reduced from the suffering they've been experiencing since they were raped. Katsav's release would be a betrayed of the public trust in law enforcement."
17 may 2016
Sculpture garden at the President's Residence
The President's Residence recently added plaques with background information behind each former president's bust; former president Katsav's plaque includes information about his conviction for rape and subsequent jail sentence.
A plaque that has been recently placed next to a bust of former president Moshe Katsav at the President's Residence in Jerusalem marks major events in his life, including his rape conviction and the seven-year prison sentence he is currently serving.
The President's Residence's sculpture garden features busts of all former presidents, including Katsav. Plaques noting historical personal information about each of the presidents were recently placed behind the busts, and current President Reuven Rivlin decided that the plaque behind Katsav's bust would also include information about his conviction and sentencing.
The plaque states in English, Hebrew, and Arabic that Katsav resigned from the presidency in 2007 after he was indicted for sexual offenses and was later sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011.
During Shimon Peres's tenure as president, he decided against removing the bust of Katsav from the sculpture garden and to keep the convicted president's photo at the entrance hall to the President's Residence. At the time, Peres explained his decision by saying it would not be right to rewrite history. Rivlin thought the same, and he too left the bust and photo in place.
On Sunday morning, Katsav's lawyer, Tzion Amir, said that his client will not appeal the parole board's decision to reject his request for early release on good behavior. Katsav has instead chose to put his fate in Rivlin's hands, submitting a request for pardon from the president.
"He had to make many difficult decisions throughout the whole process," said Amir. "The decision should be appealed. I personally recommended to appeal because I thought the board's decision was fundamentally erroneous."
The President's Residence recently added plaques with background information behind each former president's bust; former president Katsav's plaque includes information about his conviction for rape and subsequent jail sentence.
A plaque that has been recently placed next to a bust of former president Moshe Katsav at the President's Residence in Jerusalem marks major events in his life, including his rape conviction and the seven-year prison sentence he is currently serving.
The President's Residence's sculpture garden features busts of all former presidents, including Katsav. Plaques noting historical personal information about each of the presidents were recently placed behind the busts, and current President Reuven Rivlin decided that the plaque behind Katsav's bust would also include information about his conviction and sentencing.
The plaque states in English, Hebrew, and Arabic that Katsav resigned from the presidency in 2007 after he was indicted for sexual offenses and was later sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011.
During Shimon Peres's tenure as president, he decided against removing the bust of Katsav from the sculpture garden and to keep the convicted president's photo at the entrance hall to the President's Residence. At the time, Peres explained his decision by saying it would not be right to rewrite history. Rivlin thought the same, and he too left the bust and photo in place.
On Sunday morning, Katsav's lawyer, Tzion Amir, said that his client will not appeal the parole board's decision to reject his request for early release on good behavior. Katsav has instead chose to put his fate in Rivlin's hands, submitting a request for pardon from the president.
"He had to make many difficult decisions throughout the whole process," said Amir. "The decision should be appealed. I personally recommended to appeal because I thought the board's decision was fundamentally erroneous."
9 may 2016
Refraining from offering an apology, the former president asks President Reuven Rivlin for clemency on the grounds of severe mental anguish, as well as reasons of ‘charity, compassion and mercy’.
Former President Moshe Katsav who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sex offences, wrote a letter to President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday requesting to be pardoned.
“I wish to remain hidden in my home and disappear from the collective consciousness to live the rest of my shattered life with my family,” Katsav wrote in his letter. This is the first time that Katsav himself has asked for a presidential pardon.
In his letter, Katsav details the severe mental state he has found himself in, particularly after his previous appeal to shorten his sentence by one third was denied by the parole board. Nevertheless, he is not claiming mental insanity, and his letter does not include a professional mental evaluation.
At no point in his letter did Katsav express remorse, nor does he apologize, but he does express sadness for anyone who was hurt by him. Despite this, Katsav wrote to Presient Rivlin, “I maintain my innocence.”
Women’s organizations and particularly Na’amat have expressed their objections to the appeal put forth by Katsav, who was convicted of rape. Na’amat Chairperson Galia Wallach pointed out Monday that Katsav’s letter only referred to the suffering experienced by him and his family, not his victims. “He hasn’t faced up to what he did,” said Wallach. “And he hasn't expressed remorse or apologized to the women he hurt.”
“He isn’t at all preoccupied with what he did to his victims,” said Wallach. “He doesn’t care that many of them still carry the damage they’ve suffered from this story with them. If he can still claim he is innocent and refuse to accept the police and court’s conclusions, the situation is truly bleak.”
In his letter, Katsav also listed a series of arguments that have to do with his fall from grace, including the lengthy trial, the punishment (which he considers severe), his bad financial state, the hardship inflicted on his family and his desire to rehabilitate himself.
Katsav’s lawyer, Attorney Zion Amir, stated, “I believe it is time for Mr. Moshe Katsav to be released, and I am convinced President Reuven Rivlin will decide to wisely exercise his legal authority, some of which is specified in the appeal we have submitted, whose main arguments are those of charity, compassion and mercy.”
Former President Moshe Katsav who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sex offences, wrote a letter to President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday requesting to be pardoned.
“I wish to remain hidden in my home and disappear from the collective consciousness to live the rest of my shattered life with my family,” Katsav wrote in his letter. This is the first time that Katsav himself has asked for a presidential pardon.
In his letter, Katsav details the severe mental state he has found himself in, particularly after his previous appeal to shorten his sentence by one third was denied by the parole board. Nevertheless, he is not claiming mental insanity, and his letter does not include a professional mental evaluation.
At no point in his letter did Katsav express remorse, nor does he apologize, but he does express sadness for anyone who was hurt by him. Despite this, Katsav wrote to Presient Rivlin, “I maintain my innocence.”
Women’s organizations and particularly Na’amat have expressed their objections to the appeal put forth by Katsav, who was convicted of rape. Na’amat Chairperson Galia Wallach pointed out Monday that Katsav’s letter only referred to the suffering experienced by him and his family, not his victims. “He hasn’t faced up to what he did,” said Wallach. “And he hasn't expressed remorse or apologized to the women he hurt.”
“He isn’t at all preoccupied with what he did to his victims,” said Wallach. “He doesn’t care that many of them still carry the damage they’ve suffered from this story with them. If he can still claim he is innocent and refuse to accept the police and court’s conclusions, the situation is truly bleak.”
In his letter, Katsav also listed a series of arguments that have to do with his fall from grace, including the lengthy trial, the punishment (which he considers severe), his bad financial state, the hardship inflicted on his family and his desire to rehabilitate himself.
Katsav’s lawyer, Attorney Zion Amir, stated, “I believe it is time for Mr. Moshe Katsav to be released, and I am convinced President Reuven Rivlin will decide to wisely exercise his legal authority, some of which is specified in the appeal we have submitted, whose main arguments are those of charity, compassion and mercy.”
1 may 2016
Moshe Katsav's attorneys and family claim his mental health is seriously deteriorating. Rivlin's office denies he ever supported Katsav's early release: 'I will state my position if and when it becomes necessary.'
President Reuven Rivlin will consider the possibility of granting clemency to former president Moshe Katsav in the coming days amid claims of severe deterioration in his health. In 2010, Katsav was convicted of rape and sentenced the following year to seven years imprisonment.
Close associates of Katsav, including his family and his attorneys, publicized information which support claims of the extreme deterioration of his mental health.
His family and attorneys have posited that the decline seriously intensified following a decision taken by a parole board last month which rejected his appeal to reduce his sentence by a third. The parole board issued strong criticism of his personal behavior and subsequently justified their decision.
“There is no doubt whatsoever in the hearts of the committee members that the release of the prisoner—with his denying that he committed any crime and with his not underoing any treatment during his prison term—would constitute a real blow to public faith,” the committee’s letter read.
Katsav decided against appealing the parole board’s decision, since he apparently fell into a deep depression and claimed that he had lost all faith in the legal process relating to his release.
The information regarding his mental health was communicated to Rivlin’s office alongside two clemency requests for Katsav. The first was submitted by Katsav’s wife, Gila, while the second was by Katsav's lawyer, Zion Amir.
New requests are expected to be filed in the coming days by Katsav’s defense team in which the rapid deterioration of his mental stability over the last few weeks will be cited as grounds for his early release.
According to a senior official, requesting amnesty from the president is unconventional shortly after the parole board has already ruled on the case. However, the Basic Law: The President of the State's clause 11 grants Rivlin the power to award clemency: "The President of the State shall have power to pardon offenders and to lighten penalties by the reduction or commutation thereof." He may exercise this power in light of new evidence deemed to warrant the use of clemency.
In the majority of cases, this power is only used in circumstances involving the severe health deterioration of a prisoner. Indeed those privy to the circumstances of Katsav’s health conditions, which they claim are bordering on madness, believe that a pardon could possibly be granted.
Legal officials confirmed that clemency appeals will indeed be submitted shortly by Katsav’s lawyers, which will first be reviewed by Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked.
The officials expressed confidence that Rivlin would view the appeals positively if accompanied by a certified psychiatric evaluation which would attest to Katsav’s mental regression.
Prior to the release of the parole board’s decision, reports that Shaked and Rivlin had expressed their support for Katsav’s early release began to circulate. The President’s Residence however, denied such reports: “The president did not express support for granting clemency to Katsav. The president will discuss this subject and will make clear his position if and when it becomes necessary to do so in the same manner that he handles all other appeals for clemency brought before him.”
Shaked was equally unequivocal when she stated over a month ago that she has no intention of becoming involved in the parole board's proceedings: “The board, which conducts its proceedings independently and is headed by a judge, takes into account many criteria according to the law such as, inter alia, public risk, behavior in prison, rehabilitation of the prisoner and more. Confession and regret do not constitute criteria (for early release) according to law, but they are obviously considered by the board with respect to the prisoner’s ability to be rehabilitated.”
President Reuven Rivlin will consider the possibility of granting clemency to former president Moshe Katsav in the coming days amid claims of severe deterioration in his health. In 2010, Katsav was convicted of rape and sentenced the following year to seven years imprisonment.
Close associates of Katsav, including his family and his attorneys, publicized information which support claims of the extreme deterioration of his mental health.
His family and attorneys have posited that the decline seriously intensified following a decision taken by a parole board last month which rejected his appeal to reduce his sentence by a third. The parole board issued strong criticism of his personal behavior and subsequently justified their decision.
“There is no doubt whatsoever in the hearts of the committee members that the release of the prisoner—with his denying that he committed any crime and with his not underoing any treatment during his prison term—would constitute a real blow to public faith,” the committee’s letter read.
Katsav decided against appealing the parole board’s decision, since he apparently fell into a deep depression and claimed that he had lost all faith in the legal process relating to his release.
The information regarding his mental health was communicated to Rivlin’s office alongside two clemency requests for Katsav. The first was submitted by Katsav’s wife, Gila, while the second was by Katsav's lawyer, Zion Amir.
New requests are expected to be filed in the coming days by Katsav’s defense team in which the rapid deterioration of his mental stability over the last few weeks will be cited as grounds for his early release.
According to a senior official, requesting amnesty from the president is unconventional shortly after the parole board has already ruled on the case. However, the Basic Law: The President of the State's clause 11 grants Rivlin the power to award clemency: "The President of the State shall have power to pardon offenders and to lighten penalties by the reduction or commutation thereof." He may exercise this power in light of new evidence deemed to warrant the use of clemency.
In the majority of cases, this power is only used in circumstances involving the severe health deterioration of a prisoner. Indeed those privy to the circumstances of Katsav’s health conditions, which they claim are bordering on madness, believe that a pardon could possibly be granted.
Legal officials confirmed that clemency appeals will indeed be submitted shortly by Katsav’s lawyers, which will first be reviewed by Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked.
The officials expressed confidence that Rivlin would view the appeals positively if accompanied by a certified psychiatric evaluation which would attest to Katsav’s mental regression.
Prior to the release of the parole board’s decision, reports that Shaked and Rivlin had expressed their support for Katsav’s early release began to circulate. The President’s Residence however, denied such reports: “The president did not express support for granting clemency to Katsav. The president will discuss this subject and will make clear his position if and when it becomes necessary to do so in the same manner that he handles all other appeals for clemency brought before him.”
Shaked was equally unequivocal when she stated over a month ago that she has no intention of becoming involved in the parole board's proceedings: “The board, which conducts its proceedings independently and is headed by a judge, takes into account many criteria according to the law such as, inter alia, public risk, behavior in prison, rehabilitation of the prisoner and more. Confession and regret do not constitute criteria (for early release) according to law, but they are obviously considered by the board with respect to the prisoner’s ability to be rehabilitated.”
6 apr 2016
Former president Moshe Katsav on a temporary leave from prison
The former president, currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape, will remain in jail; his attorney, Zion Amir said he would appeal the decision.
Former president Moshe Katsav's request to be released early from prison was denied Wednesday afternoon. He is currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape.
The parole board next to the Prison Service held a discussion which started at 10am to deal with Katsav’s request to deduct one third of his seven-year prison sentenced for sexual offenses. After two hours of discussion, it was decided that he will remain in jail.
Katsav, who has already spent 4 years and 121 days in prison, took the decision with great pain and returned to his cell. His attorney Zion Amir, said that he would appeal of the decision.
The committee stated that "the prisoner perceives himself as a victim, busy blaming external factors for his condition, is still behaving in a forceful manner and his absorbed with his needs, losses and the price that only he and his family has paid. Even in light of the commission's questions, the prisoner did not express remorse or empathy for his victims, but reiterated the he has paid and continues to pay a heavy price.”
The committee members summarized with, "The prisoner before us denies the crimes he committed, continues to claim his innocence despite the court rulings in the case, and continues to be busy proving his innocence in the manner he expressed it to us, as if there was no legal procedure at all.
"The courts explicitly stated that these are serious offenses and noted the seriousness of these attacks on the victims. The victims brought their objections to the release council, and different legal opinions were consulted regarding the decision. The committee members believe that the private program will not have the power to stop (Katzav's) poor conduct, his obsessive claims of innocence, or even (stop) his continued attacks on the victims," they concluded.
Katzav’s lawyers, Zion Amir and Yehoshua Reznik, said in response, "The decision is 20 pages long, maybe a bit more; we will examine it, and will of course appeal the parole board’s decision. What we retained from the main decision is the question of his innocence, a fundamental right, a constitutional right to adhere to one’s faith and innocence. I regret very much that our society and its decision makers are enslaved to the winds blowing outside which leads to these types of decisions.
On December 30 2010 Katsav was convicted of two counts of rape, sexual harassment, indecent acts and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for rape and other sexual offences.
The former president, currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape, will remain in jail; his attorney, Zion Amir said he would appeal the decision.
Former president Moshe Katsav's request to be released early from prison was denied Wednesday afternoon. He is currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape.
The parole board next to the Prison Service held a discussion which started at 10am to deal with Katsav’s request to deduct one third of his seven-year prison sentenced for sexual offenses. After two hours of discussion, it was decided that he will remain in jail.
Katsav, who has already spent 4 years and 121 days in prison, took the decision with great pain and returned to his cell. His attorney Zion Amir, said that he would appeal of the decision.
The committee stated that "the prisoner perceives himself as a victim, busy blaming external factors for his condition, is still behaving in a forceful manner and his absorbed with his needs, losses and the price that only he and his family has paid. Even in light of the commission's questions, the prisoner did not express remorse or empathy for his victims, but reiterated the he has paid and continues to pay a heavy price.”
The committee members summarized with, "The prisoner before us denies the crimes he committed, continues to claim his innocence despite the court rulings in the case, and continues to be busy proving his innocence in the manner he expressed it to us, as if there was no legal procedure at all.
"The courts explicitly stated that these are serious offenses and noted the seriousness of these attacks on the victims. The victims brought their objections to the release council, and different legal opinions were consulted regarding the decision. The committee members believe that the private program will not have the power to stop (Katzav's) poor conduct, his obsessive claims of innocence, or even (stop) his continued attacks on the victims," they concluded.
Katzav’s lawyers, Zion Amir and Yehoshua Reznik, said in response, "The decision is 20 pages long, maybe a bit more; we will examine it, and will of course appeal the parole board’s decision. What we retained from the main decision is the question of his innocence, a fundamental right, a constitutional right to adhere to one’s faith and innocence. I regret very much that our society and its decision makers are enslaved to the winds blowing outside which leads to these types of decisions.
On December 30 2010 Katsav was convicted of two counts of rape, sexual harassment, indecent acts and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for rape and other sexual offences.
28 mar 2016
Former president cries during 12-hour hearing on his request to reduce a third of his sentence on good behavior; despite that, his lawyers were optimistic about his chances.
A decision on former president Moshe Katsav's request for an early release on good behavior has been postponed until next week after a lengthy hearing in front of the Parole Board on Sunday.
Katsav is serving a term of seven years in prison for two counts of rape, indecent assault and sexual harassment. Representatives of the prosecutor's office expressed opposition to Katsav's release, arguing he has never admitted to the crimes he was convicted of, never expressed remorse, and hasn't undergone rehabilitation treatment for sex offenders.
The hearing lasted for twelve hours, during which the former president broke down and started crying. Katsav's lawyers, however, were optimistic about his chances.
"I do not want to get into speculations and conjectures, I can only say that I've never argued a more just claim than this - Moshe Katsav needs to be released," said his attorney, Zion Amir, who presented his arguement for four hours. "Katsav spoke before the parole board and recounted his story of the last ten years, and especially the last four years spent in prison."
"It might not be pleasant to for you to hear, but I was taught that the law requires meeting certain criteria in order to be eligible for sentence reduction, and we should follow the law. Moshe Katsav meets the criteria and everyone should respect that, including MK Zehava Gal-On who sent a letter to the board."
Attorney Yehoshua Resnick said that the fact that Katsav did not go through rehabilitation for sex offenders "came up here and there. The board heard detailed arguments on this issue and it will make its decision. The State Attorney's representatives were looking for cracks to try and get a decision against Katsav's early release, while the law is clear, permitting Katsav to be released and have his punishment reduced."
Katsav was charged with rape, molestation and sexual harassment in March 2009. In December 2010, the District Court convicted him of two counts of rape, indecent assault, sexual harassment, and obstruction of justice. In the verdict, the court held that "the defendant's testimony was strewn with lies, small as well as big ones, and was plagued throughout with manipulations and concealment of information."
In March 2011, Katsav was sentenced to seven years in prison. In addition, the eighth president of Israel was sentenced to an additional two years suspended sentence and was required to pay compensation amounting to NIS 125,000 to two complainants. In November of that year, the court unanimously rejected his appeal, and a month later he began serving his sentence in the religious wing of Maasiyahu prison.
A decision on former president Moshe Katsav's request for an early release on good behavior has been postponed until next week after a lengthy hearing in front of the Parole Board on Sunday.
Katsav is serving a term of seven years in prison for two counts of rape, indecent assault and sexual harassment. Representatives of the prosecutor's office expressed opposition to Katsav's release, arguing he has never admitted to the crimes he was convicted of, never expressed remorse, and hasn't undergone rehabilitation treatment for sex offenders.
The hearing lasted for twelve hours, during which the former president broke down and started crying. Katsav's lawyers, however, were optimistic about his chances.
"I do not want to get into speculations and conjectures, I can only say that I've never argued a more just claim than this - Moshe Katsav needs to be released," said his attorney, Zion Amir, who presented his arguement for four hours. "Katsav spoke before the parole board and recounted his story of the last ten years, and especially the last four years spent in prison."
"It might not be pleasant to for you to hear, but I was taught that the law requires meeting certain criteria in order to be eligible for sentence reduction, and we should follow the law. Moshe Katsav meets the criteria and everyone should respect that, including MK Zehava Gal-On who sent a letter to the board."
Attorney Yehoshua Resnick said that the fact that Katsav did not go through rehabilitation for sex offenders "came up here and there. The board heard detailed arguments on this issue and it will make its decision. The State Attorney's representatives were looking for cracks to try and get a decision against Katsav's early release, while the law is clear, permitting Katsav to be released and have his punishment reduced."
Katsav was charged with rape, molestation and sexual harassment in March 2009. In December 2010, the District Court convicted him of two counts of rape, indecent assault, sexual harassment, and obstruction of justice. In the verdict, the court held that "the defendant's testimony was strewn with lies, small as well as big ones, and was plagued throughout with manipulations and concealment of information."
In March 2011, Katsav was sentenced to seven years in prison. In addition, the eighth president of Israel was sentenced to an additional two years suspended sentence and was required to pay compensation amounting to NIS 125,000 to two complainants. In November of that year, the court unanimously rejected his appeal, and a month later he began serving his sentence in the religious wing of Maasiyahu prison.
3 apr 2015
Former Israeli president, now serving a seven year prison sentence for rape, gets first Passover leave from prison.
Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, currently serving a seven year sentence for rape and other sexual offenses, left prison Friday for a 48-hour furlough for the Passover holiday. This is the first time his request for a furlough for holiday purposes has been granted.
His wife, Gila Katsav, welcomed him at the gates of Matisyahu Prison, and the two left hand in hand. Katzav refused to take question and made doing with wishing the reporters and supporters present a "happy holiday."
Last year Katsav also requests to be with his family, but was refused. Katsav, like many other criminals, is given a leave once a month, conditioned on his good behavior. During this times, he is permitted a monthly house visit for a 72-hour stretch during which time he does not have to be on house arrest.
In September 2013, Katsav recived his first leave since he began serving his sentence some two years prior. He spent his leave under house arrest in Kiryat Malachi but was allowed to attend synagogue.
Katsav is held at the Maasiyahu Prison's religious wing and according to the terms of his leave, was under police supervision in the evening hours and had to sign in at a police station at the beginning and end of the leave.
The Israel Prison Service said that Katsav met all three criteria for a leave: Completing a quarter of his sentence, passing a mental health center evaluation and attending a workshop on sexual crimes in prison.
Katsav has been serving a seven-year sentence since December 2011 following his conviction on two counts of rape, indecent acts, sexual harassment and obstruction of justice. A year and a half a go he was allowed to leave prison for eight hours in order to attend his son's wedding.
He filed a request for pardon from Israel's previous president Shimon Peres despite never admitting to his crimes or expressing regret.
Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, currently serving a seven year sentence for rape and other sexual offenses, left prison Friday for a 48-hour furlough for the Passover holiday. This is the first time his request for a furlough for holiday purposes has been granted.
His wife, Gila Katsav, welcomed him at the gates of Matisyahu Prison, and the two left hand in hand. Katzav refused to take question and made doing with wishing the reporters and supporters present a "happy holiday."
Last year Katsav also requests to be with his family, but was refused. Katsav, like many other criminals, is given a leave once a month, conditioned on his good behavior. During this times, he is permitted a monthly house visit for a 72-hour stretch during which time he does not have to be on house arrest.
In September 2013, Katsav recived his first leave since he began serving his sentence some two years prior. He spent his leave under house arrest in Kiryat Malachi but was allowed to attend synagogue.
Katsav is held at the Maasiyahu Prison's religious wing and according to the terms of his leave, was under police supervision in the evening hours and had to sign in at a police station at the beginning and end of the leave.
The Israel Prison Service said that Katsav met all three criteria for a leave: Completing a quarter of his sentence, passing a mental health center evaluation and attending a workshop on sexual crimes in prison.
Katsav has been serving a seven-year sentence since December 2011 following his conviction on two counts of rape, indecent acts, sexual harassment and obstruction of justice. A year and a half a go he was allowed to leave prison for eight hours in order to attend his son's wedding.
He filed a request for pardon from Israel's previous president Shimon Peres despite never admitting to his crimes or expressing regret.
