14 oct 2013
Moshe Katzav petitions Supreme Court for retrial
Former Israeli President Moshe Katzav, currently serving seven years in prison for rape related charges among other sexual offences, has petitioned the Supreem Court for a retrial.
According to the request, the trial was a miscarriage of justice, one of the legal possibilities allowing for a retrial.
Moshe Katzav petitions Supreme Court for retrial
Former Israeli President Moshe Katzav, currently serving seven years in prison for rape related charges among other sexual offences, has petitioned the Supreem Court for a retrial.
According to the request, the trial was a miscarriage of justice, one of the legal possibilities allowing for a retrial.
9 sept 2013
Former President Moshe Katsav has left his home in Kiryat Malachi on his way back to prison following a 24-hour leave. Katsav prayed at his home Tuesday morning with some of his friends, choosing not to visit the local synagogue.
The former president, who is serving a seven-year sentence for sex offenses, bid farewell to his family members at the entrance to his home and traveled to the prison accompanied by his brother and sons.
The former president, who is serving a seven-year sentence for sex offenses, bid farewell to his family members at the entrance to his home and traveled to the prison accompanied by his brother and sons.
Katsav will be under house arrest
Year and nine months after beginning to serve seven-year sentence for rape, indecent acts, former president leaves Maasiyau Prison for 24-hour leave
Former President Moshe Katsav who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sex offences left the Maasiyahu Prison on Monday for a 24-hour leave.
This is Katsav's first leave since be began serving his sentence a year and nine months ago. He will spend his leave under house arrest in Kiryat Malachi but will be allowed to attend synagogue.
The former president was greeted outside the prison by his brother Lior who told reporters: "Moshe Katsav has been wronged. We honor the court's ruling, but many legal minds know the severity of the injustice.
He was accused of things that never happened. The fight for his innocence will go on, the truth will come out. He gave his whole life for the country and for society."
WIZO chairperson Gila Oshrat said, "There's no room to give leaves to a prisoner who has never expressed regret or took responsibility for his actions. This is a difficult message the State is giving the victims and society in general."
Katsav is held at the Maasiyahu Prison's religious wing and according to the terms of his leave, he will be under police supervision in the evening hours and will have to sign in at a police station at the beginning and end of the leave.
The Israel Prison Service said that Katsav meets 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.
His incarceration conditions are set to improve after several leaves. He will be able to visit his house once a month for a 72-hour stretch and will not have to be on house arrest.
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 has filed a request for pardon from President Shimon Peres despite never admitting to his crimes or expressing regret.
Katsav's brother: The truth will come out
Year and nine months after beginning to serve seven-year sentence for rape, indecent acts, former president leaves Maasiyau Prison for 24-hour leave
Former President Moshe Katsav who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sex offences left the Maasiyahu Prison on Monday for a 24-hour leave.
This is Katsav's first leave since be began serving his sentence a year and nine months ago. He will spend his leave under house arrest in Kiryat Malachi but will be allowed to attend synagogue.
The former president was greeted outside the prison by his brother Lior who told reporters: "Moshe Katsav has been wronged. We honor the court's ruling, but many legal minds know the severity of the injustice.
He was accused of things that never happened. The fight for his innocence will go on, the truth will come out. He gave his whole life for the country and for society."
WIZO chairperson Gila Oshrat said, "There's no room to give leaves to a prisoner who has never expressed regret or took responsibility for his actions. This is a difficult message the State is giving the victims and society in general."
Katsav is held at the Maasiyahu Prison's religious wing and according to the terms of his leave, he will be under police supervision in the evening hours and will have to sign in at a police station at the beginning and end of the leave.
The Israel Prison Service said that Katsav meets 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.
His incarceration conditions are set to improve after several leaves. He will be able to visit his house once a month for a 72-hour stretch and will not have to be on house arrest.
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 has filed a request for pardon from President Shimon Peres despite never admitting to his crimes or expressing regret.
Katsav's brother: The truth will come out
27 aug 2013
former President Moshe Katsav
For the first time since December 2011 when he began serving his jail sentence for rape, former President Moshe Katsav will be allowed out on furlough, having served a quarter of his seven year sentence. He will begin his leave on September 9. Any inmate who serves a quarter of his sentence is eligible to take his first leave, followed by regular leaves every three weeks. Sex offenders are ususally only allowed leaves if they have confessed and regretted their actions, and went through intended workshops.
In certain cases, the professional opinion of a mental health institution is needed, in order to determine the level of risk the inmate poses. Katsav has not been through any evaluations or confessed to his actions, as far as is known.
Katsav's seven year sentence began in December 2011, for two counts of rape, forceful indecent acts, sexual harassment, and obstruction of justice. A month earlier, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal Katsav had submitted.
Katsav has already been out of prison before, in May 2012, to participate in his son's wedding. On that occassion, he was given special furlough for eight and a half hours. A few months later, despite not showing remorse or taking responsibility for his deeds, Katsav submitted a clemency request to president Shimon Peres.
For the first time since December 2011 when he began serving his jail sentence for rape, former President Moshe Katsav will be allowed out on furlough, having served a quarter of his seven year sentence. He will begin his leave on September 9. Any inmate who serves a quarter of his sentence is eligible to take his first leave, followed by regular leaves every three weeks. Sex offenders are ususally only allowed leaves if they have confessed and regretted their actions, and went through intended workshops.
In certain cases, the professional opinion of a mental health institution is needed, in order to determine the level of risk the inmate poses. Katsav has not been through any evaluations or confessed to his actions, as far as is known.
Katsav's seven year sentence began in December 2011, for two counts of rape, forceful indecent acts, sexual harassment, and obstruction of justice. A month earlier, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal Katsav had submitted.
Katsav has already been out of prison before, in May 2012, to participate in his son's wedding. On that occassion, he was given special furlough for eight and a half hours. A few months later, despite not showing remorse or taking responsibility for his deeds, Katsav submitted a clemency request to president Shimon Peres.
30 july 2013
serial rapist Moshe Katsav
The Israeli Prison Service is considering granting leave to former president, Moshe Katsav.
Katsav is serving a seven-year prison sentence for rape and sexual harassment, and his leave is considered despite the fact he has not expressed remorse.
The Israeli Prison Service is considering granting leave to former president, Moshe Katsav.
Katsav is serving a seven-year prison sentence for rape and sexual harassment, and his leave is considered despite the fact he has not expressed remorse.
15 june 2012
Five inmates caught threatening former president: 'Don't go to the canteen, we'll get you'. Perpetrators punished with loss of privileges.
Former president Moshe Katsav has become a target of other inmates at the Maasiyahu Prison, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday.
According to residents of the prison's religious wing, for three nights shouts and insults were aimed at the former president by inmates of the adjacent wing. Five prisoners have been disciplined in the matter and had their privileges revoked.
The shouts began one evening last week. According to one prisoner, Katsav with sitting in the religious wing when prisoners next door began swearing at him, calling his name and hurling sexual insults and threats.
"Katsav, we'll catch you in the canteen and get even… you shouldn't go to the canteen," they reportedly shouted.
Prisoners say that Katsav was embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.
Relatives of the former president said Thursday that he had not reported the incident, and that they heard about it from other prisoners. "We are very worried that these curses and insults that accompanied threats will become deeds," they said.
Nevertheless, guards in the religious wing heard the shouts and threats and reported them to intelligence officials in the Israel Prisons Service, who identified the guilty parties.
The officials checked whether during his term as president Katsav had denied any of them clemency, but there was no indication that that was the case.
Former president Moshe Katsav has become a target of other inmates at the Maasiyahu Prison, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday.
According to residents of the prison's religious wing, for three nights shouts and insults were aimed at the former president by inmates of the adjacent wing. Five prisoners have been disciplined in the matter and had their privileges revoked.
The shouts began one evening last week. According to one prisoner, Katsav with sitting in the religious wing when prisoners next door began swearing at him, calling his name and hurling sexual insults and threats.
"Katsav, we'll catch you in the canteen and get even… you shouldn't go to the canteen," they reportedly shouted.
Prisoners say that Katsav was embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.
Relatives of the former president said Thursday that he had not reported the incident, and that they heard about it from other prisoners. "We are very worried that these curses and insults that accompanied threats will become deeds," they said.
Nevertheless, guards in the religious wing heard the shouts and threats and reported them to intelligence officials in the Israel Prisons Service, who identified the guilty parties.
The officials checked whether during his term as president Katsav had denied any of them clemency, but there was no indication that that was the case.
10 aug 2011
Former president's attorneys argue against sexual harassment convictions in Supreme Court.
Former President Moshe Katsav continued to argue his appeal during a second hearing before the Supreme Court Wednesday, against convictions of rape, indecent acts, and sexual harassment, as well as the 7-year sentence he received for them.
The hearing focused on Katsav's sexual harassment of H. and L., who worked for him at the President's Residence.
"We live in an age of huggers and hugged," said his attorney, Zion Amir. "Katsav's image has been blackened and mauled. Every innocent hug has become a violation – the court has erred."
Amir claimed it was unfair to place the president on trial for sexual harassment because he hugged his employees, and said there had never been a trial based on accusations of hugging.
"If I leave the courtroom and Justice Joubran hugs me, I will be excited and tell everyone. This is the whole story," he argued. "How was such an indictment born? How was such a complainant born? This is very unsettling."
Justices Miriam Naor, Edna Arbel, and Salim Joubran remained unimpressed, however, telling Amir to focus on the fact that L. and H. had responded to the harassment at the time and that the case for their complaints had already been made during the trial.
An argument eventually broke out between the attorney and Justice Naor, who told him to remember the difference between a hearing on first instance and appeal hearings.
The previous appeal hearing took place on Sunday during which defense attorney Avigdor Feldman clarified that he did not intend on presenting an alternative defense, but hinted that Katsav and complainant A. may have had an affair, a claim the former president has himself rejected.
"In order for the court to discuss this possibility, shouldn't the appellant himself claim this?" Justice Salim Joubran retorted.
He went on to insist that Katsav was lying about his relationship with A. "There is another version of the relationship, and he is not telling the truth," Feldman said of his client.
Former President Moshe Katsav continued to argue his appeal during a second hearing before the Supreme Court Wednesday, against convictions of rape, indecent acts, and sexual harassment, as well as the 7-year sentence he received for them.
The hearing focused on Katsav's sexual harassment of H. and L., who worked for him at the President's Residence.
"We live in an age of huggers and hugged," said his attorney, Zion Amir. "Katsav's image has been blackened and mauled. Every innocent hug has become a violation – the court has erred."
Amir claimed it was unfair to place the president on trial for sexual harassment because he hugged his employees, and said there had never been a trial based on accusations of hugging.
"If I leave the courtroom and Justice Joubran hugs me, I will be excited and tell everyone. This is the whole story," he argued. "How was such an indictment born? How was such a complainant born? This is very unsettling."
Justices Miriam Naor, Edna Arbel, and Salim Joubran remained unimpressed, however, telling Amir to focus on the fact that L. and H. had responded to the harassment at the time and that the case for their complaints had already been made during the trial.
An argument eventually broke out between the attorney and Justice Naor, who told him to remember the difference between a hearing on first instance and appeal hearings.
The previous appeal hearing took place on Sunday during which defense attorney Avigdor Feldman clarified that he did not intend on presenting an alternative defense, but hinted that Katsav and complainant A. may have had an affair, a claim the former president has himself rejected.
"In order for the court to discuss this possibility, shouldn't the appellant himself claim this?" Justice Salim Joubran retorted.
He went on to insist that Katsav was lying about his relationship with A. "There is another version of the relationship, and he is not telling the truth," Feldman said of his client.
11 july 2011
The suspect is a 49-year-old retired commander who was dishonorably discharged, has been tried and served prison time for fraud, embezzlement, extortion.
One of the private investigators suspected of harassing witnesses on behalf of former President Moshe Katsav, has a history of ethical misconduct, according documents obtained by Haaretz on Monday.
The suspect, a 49-year-old retired commander who was released two days ago to house arrest, has been brought to court over multiple cases of fraud and embezzlement, and has even served prison time for his criminal misconduct. He has implicated prominent businessmen and politicians in his various and sundry nefarious dealings.
The suspect served as an officer in an intelligence unit in the IDF, after which he joined an elite criminal investigation unit in the police. He was expelled from the police in 1991 when he was caught selling five VCR’s illegally.
Bilha Gilor, a judge at the Haifa District Court who presided over one of the retired military man’s cases, wrote over a decade ago that “there is no way of knowing what could bring a man who served in an exclusive Israel Defense Forces unit and then in an elite unit in the police, to take advantage of his talents in the criminal world.”
Gilor was referring to a case in which the suspect was convicted after he fraudulently presented himself as a private investigator or someone close to private investigators and then attempted to extort politicians and businessmen using information he had allegedly collected for their opposition.
The suspect was arrested after the Mayor of Kiryat Yam, Shmuel Siso, reported him to the police for blackmail.
He used forged documents, including court statements, medical assessments and bank records to con 120 thousand NIS from his victims.
In 1999 the suspect was sent to prison for 40 months after reaching a plea bargain to reduce his sentence.
He has since been involved in other illicit activities and in March last year was brought in for using a bugging device, intending to blackmail a Carmiel rabbi.
The suspect arrived at the Rabbinate in Carmiel pretending to be a businessman wishing to open a restaurant. He then offered the rabbi cash in exchange for assistance, hoping he could then frame and extort him.
Katsav's private investigators suspected of harassing witnesses in his rape trial
Disgraced former president was found guilty of rape and sexual harassment in December 2010.
Two private investigators working on behalf of Moshe Katsav are suspected of harassing witnesses involved in the disgraced former president's rape trial, it emerged Monday after a gag order on details of the case was lifted.
According to suspicions, the private investigators allegedly harassed four people involved in the Katsav case, which culminated in rape and sexual assault convictions for the former president. The investigators are believed to have harassed the witnesses and violated their privacy.
One of the investigators, an owner of a private investigations firm, is suspected of witness harassment and conspiring to commit a crime. The investigator is suspected of employing two other private investigators to aid him collect information on people involved in the Katsav case.
Moreover, the police found recorded tapes which documented the private investigators' contact with the people involved in the case. Police also searched the private investigations office and confiscated their computers. The two investigators were arrested last week and were released on Sunday night after five days in custody.
In December last year, Katsav was found guilty of two counts of rape after complaints had surfaced of sexual offenses against various subordinates during Katsav's terms as tourism minister and president.
One of the private investigators suspected of harassing witnesses on behalf of former President Moshe Katsav, has a history of ethical misconduct, according documents obtained by Haaretz on Monday.
The suspect, a 49-year-old retired commander who was released two days ago to house arrest, has been brought to court over multiple cases of fraud and embezzlement, and has even served prison time for his criminal misconduct. He has implicated prominent businessmen and politicians in his various and sundry nefarious dealings.
The suspect served as an officer in an intelligence unit in the IDF, after which he joined an elite criminal investigation unit in the police. He was expelled from the police in 1991 when he was caught selling five VCR’s illegally.
Bilha Gilor, a judge at the Haifa District Court who presided over one of the retired military man’s cases, wrote over a decade ago that “there is no way of knowing what could bring a man who served in an exclusive Israel Defense Forces unit and then in an elite unit in the police, to take advantage of his talents in the criminal world.”
Gilor was referring to a case in which the suspect was convicted after he fraudulently presented himself as a private investigator or someone close to private investigators and then attempted to extort politicians and businessmen using information he had allegedly collected for their opposition.
The suspect was arrested after the Mayor of Kiryat Yam, Shmuel Siso, reported him to the police for blackmail.
He used forged documents, including court statements, medical assessments and bank records to con 120 thousand NIS from his victims.
In 1999 the suspect was sent to prison for 40 months after reaching a plea bargain to reduce his sentence.
He has since been involved in other illicit activities and in March last year was brought in for using a bugging device, intending to blackmail a Carmiel rabbi.
The suspect arrived at the Rabbinate in Carmiel pretending to be a businessman wishing to open a restaurant. He then offered the rabbi cash in exchange for assistance, hoping he could then frame and extort him.
Katsav's private investigators suspected of harassing witnesses in his rape trial
Disgraced former president was found guilty of rape and sexual harassment in December 2010.
Two private investigators working on behalf of Moshe Katsav are suspected of harassing witnesses involved in the disgraced former president's rape trial, it emerged Monday after a gag order on details of the case was lifted.
According to suspicions, the private investigators allegedly harassed four people involved in the Katsav case, which culminated in rape and sexual assault convictions for the former president. The investigators are believed to have harassed the witnesses and violated their privacy.
One of the investigators, an owner of a private investigations firm, is suspected of witness harassment and conspiring to commit a crime. The investigator is suspected of employing two other private investigators to aid him collect information on people involved in the Katsav case.
Moreover, the police found recorded tapes which documented the private investigators' contact with the people involved in the case. Police also searched the private investigations office and confiscated their computers. The two investigators were arrested last week and were released on Sunday night after five days in custody.
In December last year, Katsav was found guilty of two counts of rape after complaints had surfaced of sexual offenses against various subordinates during Katsav's terms as tourism minister and president.
22 mar 2011
Prime minister addresses sentence handed to former President Moshe Katsav, says 'this is a day of sadness and shame for Israel.' Katsav attorneys to file appeal in coming days.
"This is a special day for the State of Israel, a day of sadness and shame," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday referring to the sentence handed to former President Moshe Katsav. "But there is also deep appreciation and pride in the Israeli justice system."
Earlier on Tuesday, the Tel Avis District Court sentenced Katsav to seven years in prison. "No one is above the law, even if it is a president – we all answer to the law."
Speaking at the Prime Minister's Conference he added: "Each woman has a right over her body, a right for respect and freedom. No one has the right to take these things away from her."
President Shimon Peres addressed Katsav's sentencing saying: "It's a sad day, but we are all equal in the eyes of the law. The presidential institute was not discussed during the judicial process but rather the man who served as president. However the proceedings are not over."
When asked by soldiers, during his visit to the northern border, what will become of Katsav's statue standing at the President's Residence Peres replied: "You musn't change history, for good or for bad. History is full of bad and good things," said Peres.
On the day of Katsav's conviction, many visitors took a picture of themselves standing next to the former president's statue. Following the sentencing, over 66% of Ynet readers said they support the removal of the statue, whereas 34% said it should remain in place.
Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni also commented on the sentence. "A day in which an Israeli president is sent to prison for rape is not a joyous day. I wish we would have never gotten to a state where a president has raped. You can't negate the presidency post factum but you can deny one's liberty," she said.
"A president should be elevated from the people by virtue of his position as a symbol. Side by side with the distress there is also great hope that Israel is in a process of change," Livni added.
Katsav's Attorney Zion Amir said this was "a day of mourning for Israeli society".
"This is a special day for the State of Israel, a day of sadness and shame," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday referring to the sentence handed to former President Moshe Katsav. "But there is also deep appreciation and pride in the Israeli justice system."
Earlier on Tuesday, the Tel Avis District Court sentenced Katsav to seven years in prison. "No one is above the law, even if it is a president – we all answer to the law."
Speaking at the Prime Minister's Conference he added: "Each woman has a right over her body, a right for respect and freedom. No one has the right to take these things away from her."
President Shimon Peres addressed Katsav's sentencing saying: "It's a sad day, but we are all equal in the eyes of the law. The presidential institute was not discussed during the judicial process but rather the man who served as president. However the proceedings are not over."
When asked by soldiers, during his visit to the northern border, what will become of Katsav's statue standing at the President's Residence Peres replied: "You musn't change history, for good or for bad. History is full of bad and good things," said Peres.
On the day of Katsav's conviction, many visitors took a picture of themselves standing next to the former president's statue. Following the sentencing, over 66% of Ynet readers said they support the removal of the statue, whereas 34% said it should remain in place.
Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni also commented on the sentence. "A day in which an Israeli president is sent to prison for rape is not a joyous day. I wish we would have never gotten to a state where a president has raped. You can't negate the presidency post factum but you can deny one's liberty," she said.
"A president should be elevated from the people by virtue of his position as a symbol. Side by side with the distress there is also great hope that Israel is in a process of change," Livni added.
Katsav's Attorney Zion Amir said this was "a day of mourning for Israeli society".
Katsav leaving court
"Whoever thinks the conviction of a former president is a celebration of Israeli democracy is mistaken, I think it is a sad day," Amir said.
Referring to Judge Judith Shevach's criticism on law enforcement elements Amir said a commission of inquiry might be called for. "Law enforcement elements trampled the defendant's rights."
Attorney Avi Lavi from the defense team said that they plan on filing an appeal with the Supreme Court in the coming days. He also noted he believes the Supreme Court will reverse the conviction and exonerate his client. "I have no doubt that Judge Shevach's statements will resonate with the Supreme Court, there are serious claims."
Moshe Katsav was accused of moral turpitude Tuesday which effectively strips him of all benefits he was entitled to as a former president.
His service vehicle, house maintenance expenses, telephone line and daily paper will be taken away. He has already given up his bureau.
However, he will still retain his monthly pension payment of some NIS 45,000 (roughly $12,700).
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4045980,00.html
"Whoever thinks the conviction of a former president is a celebration of Israeli democracy is mistaken, I think it is a sad day," Amir said.
Referring to Judge Judith Shevach's criticism on law enforcement elements Amir said a commission of inquiry might be called for. "Law enforcement elements trampled the defendant's rights."
Attorney Avi Lavi from the defense team said that they plan on filing an appeal with the Supreme Court in the coming days. He also noted he believes the Supreme Court will reverse the conviction and exonerate his client. "I have no doubt that Judge Shevach's statements will resonate with the Supreme Court, there are serious claims."
Moshe Katsav was accused of moral turpitude Tuesday which effectively strips him of all benefits he was entitled to as a former president.
His service vehicle, house maintenance expenses, telephone line and daily paper will be taken away. He has already given up his bureau.
However, he will still retain his monthly pension payment of some NIS 45,000 (roughly $12,700).
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4045980,00.html
Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav arrived at the Tel Aviv district court on Tuesday, where judges handed down a sentence of seven years jail time after his conviction on two counts of rape and other sexual assault charges.
Katsav was convicted in December of rape, sexual harassment, indecent acts and obstruction of justice following a four-year scandal that shocked the nation.
As he arrived, hundreds of journalists packed around the entrance of the Tel Aviv district court to catch a glimpse of the disgraced president, who has proclaimed his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The prosecution has called for a lengthy jail term, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes, the damage inflicted on the victims and the shame he brought on the presidential office.
The maximum sentence for rape is 16 years behind bars, although theoretically Katsav could face an even longer sentence given he was convicted on several charges.
However, his lawyers have asked that he be spared prison time, and urged the three judges to take into account the media campaign against him, his public humiliation and inability to rehabilitate his reputation with "the mark of Cain forever etched on his forehead."
The 65-year-old former head of state was convicted of twice raping a victim identified as "Aleph" during his term as tourism minister, and sexually assaulting and harassing two other women while he was president.
He is widely expected to appeal the sentence.
http://www.maannews
Katsav was convicted in December of rape, sexual harassment, indecent acts and obstruction of justice following a four-year scandal that shocked the nation.
As he arrived, hundreds of journalists packed around the entrance of the Tel Aviv district court to catch a glimpse of the disgraced president, who has proclaimed his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The prosecution has called for a lengthy jail term, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes, the damage inflicted on the victims and the shame he brought on the presidential office.
The maximum sentence for rape is 16 years behind bars, although theoretically Katsav could face an even longer sentence given he was convicted on several charges.
However, his lawyers have asked that he be spared prison time, and urged the three judges to take into account the media campaign against him, his public humiliation and inability to rehabilitate his reputation with "the mark of Cain forever etched on his forehead."
The 65-year-old former head of state was convicted of twice raping a victim identified as "Aleph" during his term as tourism minister, and sexually assaulting and harassing two other women while he was president.
He is widely expected to appeal the sentence.
http://www.maannews
7 feb 2011
Katsav in court
Judges concede to press agencies' demand to read sentence handed to former president, convicted of rape, in open court. However, sentencing hearing will be held behind closed doors to protect complainants.
Judges deciding the case of former President Moshe Katsav, who was convicted of rape charges recently, said Monday that his sentence would be pronounced publicly but that the sentencing hearing would take place behind closed doors.
The judges made the announcement following an appeal from the press.
After the sentence is given, the judges say, they will clear for publication most of Katsav's testimony in order to "give a clearer picture reflecting the testimony as it was voiced during the trial".
They explained that the sentencing hearing would not be made public, despite the fact that the prosecution was not opposed to the move, in order to protect the complainants in the case.
The judges say that the offer to close off the hearing only when the complainant is present "is unpractical and does not promise full defense from invasion of the complainants' privacy and the exposure of their identities. A simple mistake or slip of the tongue may severely harm one of the complainants."
The complainants' testimonies will not be cleared for publication either, the judges say. However the testimonies of other witnesses will be cleared after the sentencing process is finished.
http://www.ynetnews
Judges concede to press agencies' demand to read sentence handed to former president, convicted of rape, in open court. However, sentencing hearing will be held behind closed doors to protect complainants.
Judges deciding the case of former President Moshe Katsav, who was convicted of rape charges recently, said Monday that his sentence would be pronounced publicly but that the sentencing hearing would take place behind closed doors.
The judges made the announcement following an appeal from the press.
After the sentence is given, the judges say, they will clear for publication most of Katsav's testimony in order to "give a clearer picture reflecting the testimony as it was voiced during the trial".
They explained that the sentencing hearing would not be made public, despite the fact that the prosecution was not opposed to the move, in order to protect the complainants in the case.
The judges say that the offer to close off the hearing only when the complainant is present "is unpractical and does not promise full defense from invasion of the complainants' privacy and the exposure of their identities. A simple mistake or slip of the tongue may severely harm one of the complainants."
The complainants' testimonies will not be cleared for publication either, the judges say. However the testimonies of other witnesses will be cleared after the sentencing process is finished.
http://www.ynetnews
16 jan 2011
'Write that you love me.' Katsav
Full verdict reveals testimony of Tourism Ministry employee who was raped by former president. 'When I entered his room I saw he wasn't wearing any pants,' she recalls, and mentions 'love letter' judges say he wanted to use as defense 'on judgment day'
"Enough. Stop it. I'm not interested. I don't want to," complainant A. from the Tourism Ministry said to former President Moshe Katsav as he raped her for the first time.
According to the full verdict in Katsav's case, which was published Sunday, the judges characterized complainant A. as someone who aims to "please others" and said "the perception that her livelihood depended on her relations with the defendant caused her to continue treating him with respect, as ridiculous as it may sound."
Katsav was recently convicted on two counts of rape, indecent assault and other sexual offenses. The first rape took place in Katsav's office during his tenure as tourism minister, after the two returned from an event in a Tel Aviv park. A. said Katsav asked her to accompany him to his office because he had forgotten something. She was sitting on a chair when Katsav suddenly began touching her. "He tried to take my pants off," the complainant recalled. "He kept trying to pull them down, and that is when I began to struggle with him. He pulled them down and I pulled them up."
Eventually A. found herself on the floor. "I don’t remember if he shoved me or if I fell because I was sitting at the edge of the chair. I only remember that I was on the floor. I said 'I don't want to. Stop. I'm not interested'. I tried to resist with my body." "I was afraid of getting pregnant," she said. "I don’t remember exactly how it ended, it ended there. I either pushed him away or turned around." Complainant A. told the court that she went into denial. "The next day I went to the office as if nothing happened," she said. But Katsav raped her again two months later at a Jerusalem hotel. "He asked me to go upstairs to his room," A. testified. "I thought we would be in his room for a second and go back down to the lobby. When I entered I saw he wasn't wearing any pants. His shirt was long and covered his underwear…I looked away."
Full verdict reveals testimony of Tourism Ministry employee who was raped by former president. 'When I entered his room I saw he wasn't wearing any pants,' she recalls, and mentions 'love letter' judges say he wanted to use as defense 'on judgment day'
"Enough. Stop it. I'm not interested. I don't want to," complainant A. from the Tourism Ministry said to former President Moshe Katsav as he raped her for the first time.
According to the full verdict in Katsav's case, which was published Sunday, the judges characterized complainant A. as someone who aims to "please others" and said "the perception that her livelihood depended on her relations with the defendant caused her to continue treating him with respect, as ridiculous as it may sound."
Katsav was recently convicted on two counts of rape, indecent assault and other sexual offenses. The first rape took place in Katsav's office during his tenure as tourism minister, after the two returned from an event in a Tel Aviv park. A. said Katsav asked her to accompany him to his office because he had forgotten something. She was sitting on a chair when Katsav suddenly began touching her. "He tried to take my pants off," the complainant recalled. "He kept trying to pull them down, and that is when I began to struggle with him. He pulled them down and I pulled them up."
Eventually A. found herself on the floor. "I don’t remember if he shoved me or if I fell because I was sitting at the edge of the chair. I only remember that I was on the floor. I said 'I don't want to. Stop. I'm not interested'. I tried to resist with my body." "I was afraid of getting pregnant," she said. "I don’t remember exactly how it ended, it ended there. I either pushed him away or turned around." Complainant A. told the court that she went into denial. "The next day I went to the office as if nothing happened," she said. But Katsav raped her again two months later at a Jerusalem hotel. "He asked me to go upstairs to his room," A. testified. "I thought we would be in his room for a second and go back down to the lobby. When I entered I saw he wasn't wearing any pants. His shirt was long and covered his underwear…I looked away."
Katsav after guilty verdict
According to her testimony, A. sat at the edge of the bed, anticipating that Katsav would get dressed. But the former president sat next to her and began touching the upper part of her body. "He started pulling my pants, like the first time. He pulled and I resisted…Until he managed to take them off."
"I told him, 'Let go, I'm not interested, I don't want to.' But Katsav overpowered her and raped her.
The complainant said the former president did not ejaculate in either incident. "I was angry with myself," she said. "How did I not see it coming? How come no red lights turned on in my head?" Complainant A. testified that Katsav also asked her to wear a skirt to work on a number of occasions and would rub against her and touch her, including her backside. During their phone conversations, Katsav would ask A. to lie in bed and undress. In the verdict, judges George Karra, Miriam Sokolov and Judith Shevach said, "We did not get the impression that (complainant A.'s) testimony was a false account of severe rapes that never occurred, but that we were dealing with a truthful account which was being revealed in stages, part by part, as is characteristic of sexual assault victims." Katsav's version, however, did not convince the court, and his claims were proven false.
The former president denied raping complainant A. at the hotel, saying "I didn’t stay in hotel rooms in Jerusalem, as opposed to other ministers who lived outside Jerusalem." The judges said Katsav also presented a journal in an attempt to show that he did not stay at the hotel. The former president said he would update the journal everyday, sometimes retroactively, and considered it a piece of evidence that proved his innocence, the judges wrote. However, a cross-examination revealed that Katsav's datebook entries were inaccurate.
In her testimony, complainant A. also addressed a Happy New Year's letter she wrote to the former president. According to her, Katzav pleaded with her to write the letter. She said the former president told her "write that you love me," and snatched the letter from her. A. said she had no intention of giving the letter to Katsav, but he insisted. The judges wondered why Katsav held on to the letter for years, and stated that he wanted to use it "as defense on judgment day." They said the letter was not sexual in any way.
According to her testimony, A. sat at the edge of the bed, anticipating that Katsav would get dressed. But the former president sat next to her and began touching the upper part of her body. "He started pulling my pants, like the first time. He pulled and I resisted…Until he managed to take them off."
"I told him, 'Let go, I'm not interested, I don't want to.' But Katsav overpowered her and raped her.
The complainant said the former president did not ejaculate in either incident. "I was angry with myself," she said. "How did I not see it coming? How come no red lights turned on in my head?" Complainant A. testified that Katsav also asked her to wear a skirt to work on a number of occasions and would rub against her and touch her, including her backside. During their phone conversations, Katsav would ask A. to lie in bed and undress. In the verdict, judges George Karra, Miriam Sokolov and Judith Shevach said, "We did not get the impression that (complainant A.'s) testimony was a false account of severe rapes that never occurred, but that we were dealing with a truthful account which was being revealed in stages, part by part, as is characteristic of sexual assault victims." Katsav's version, however, did not convince the court, and his claims were proven false.
The former president denied raping complainant A. at the hotel, saying "I didn’t stay in hotel rooms in Jerusalem, as opposed to other ministers who lived outside Jerusalem." The judges said Katsav also presented a journal in an attempt to show that he did not stay at the hotel. The former president said he would update the journal everyday, sometimes retroactively, and considered it a piece of evidence that proved his innocence, the judges wrote. However, a cross-examination revealed that Katsav's datebook entries were inaccurate.
In her testimony, complainant A. also addressed a Happy New Year's letter she wrote to the former president. According to her, Katzav pleaded with her to write the letter. She said the former president told her "write that you love me," and snatched the letter from her. A. said she had no intention of giving the letter to Katsav, but he insisted. The judges wondered why Katsav held on to the letter for years, and stated that he wanted to use it "as defense on judgment day." They said the letter was not sexual in any way.
5 jan 2011
'Public humiliation enough.' Beilin
Former justice minister tells Army Radio 'real punishment' for ex-president 'is not to be separated from society but rather to remain on his street.' Gal-On: A rapist's place is in prison
A former Israeli justice minister on Wednesday said ex-President Moshe Katsav should be pardoned to spare Israelis the sight of a former head of state serving jail time for rape.
Katsav's conviction last week has riveted the nation, with nearly unanimous scorn for the disgraced politician and wall-to-wall praise for the legal system that proved itself egalitarian by bringing him to justice.
But some voices are starting to emerge questioning the sweeping verdict - saying the judges essentially dismissed Katsav's denials and chose to believe the complainant's version - and asking what kind of punishment is appropriate for the country's former head of state. Yossi Beilin, a former justice minister who once led the dovish Meretz Party, said Katsav's public humiliation was enough of a punishment and would serve as a powerful deterrent to other officials. He said it was not in the public interest to see a former symbol of the state behind bars. "He obviously deserves a heavy punishment, but the question is whether we also deserve that punishment when the country is being portrayed all over the world as a country whose president is like this,"
Beilin told Israel's Army Radio. "I think the real punishment for Moshe Katsav is not to be separated from society but rather to remain on his street, to look into the eyes of those close to him, to look into the eyes of his grandchildren and to know that everyone knows the truth." The proposal was quickly lambasted by women's rights advocates. "A rapist's place is in prison," said former lawmaker Zahava Gal-On.
'Court not willing to intervene'
A pardon would have to come from Katsav's successor as president, Shimon Peres, whose office has refused to discuss the scenario.
Last week, a Tel Aviv court ruled that Katsav twice raped a woman who worked for him when he served as tourism minister in the 1990s, and assaulted and harassed two other woman who worked for him when he was president, from 2000 to 2007. The scathing ruling called him "manipulative" and said his testimony was riddled with lies. He faces between four to 16 years in prison for the offenses. Katsav attorney Zion Amir said he would announce whether he intends to appeal the verdict after sentencing, which is expected to be delivered within the next two months. Amir said Katsav and his team would not be making any other comments until sentencing takes place.
Experts seem to agree that a successful appeal is highly unlikely. Israel's Supreme Court traditionally only overturns convictions based on the interpretation of the law. It usually does not challenge the factual findings of lower courts that heard testimonies and questioned witnesses. Emanuel Gross, a criminal law professor at Haifa University, said the court "is not willing to intervene in any way whenever it gets to fact finding."
The ruling, reached after 18 months of closed door hearings, has been perceived locally as a victory for the Israeli legal system and women's rights. But it was also striking in its extremely categorical language, despite the lack of physical evidence and the apparent reliance on testimony, from the victims and from other witnesses who testified to similar behavior.
Katsav's legal troubles began late in his presidency when he complained in 2006 that a female employee was trying to blackmail him. The woman went to police with her side of the story, detailing a series of alleged sexual assaults. Other women then came forward with other complaints. He resigned a year later, two weeks before his seven-year term expired. Katsav has alleged he was a victim of a political witch hunt, and his legal team says the public climate against him influenced the judges' ruling. Prosecutors initially agreed to a plea bargain that would have required him to admit to lesser charges of sexual misconduct and kept him out of jail.
But Katsav rejected the plea bargain at the last minute in 2008 and vowed to clear his name in court. At the time, prosecutors said they offered the plea because the evidence may not suffice for a conviction. Law professor Uriel Procaccia said that raises questions over how the final verdict was so definitive. In light of the uncertainty, Procaccia wrote, "I find it hard to join the chorus celebrating (Katsav's) disgrace and cheering his conviction."
Former justice minister tells Army Radio 'real punishment' for ex-president 'is not to be separated from society but rather to remain on his street.' Gal-On: A rapist's place is in prison
A former Israeli justice minister on Wednesday said ex-President Moshe Katsav should be pardoned to spare Israelis the sight of a former head of state serving jail time for rape.
Katsav's conviction last week has riveted the nation, with nearly unanimous scorn for the disgraced politician and wall-to-wall praise for the legal system that proved itself egalitarian by bringing him to justice.
But some voices are starting to emerge questioning the sweeping verdict - saying the judges essentially dismissed Katsav's denials and chose to believe the complainant's version - and asking what kind of punishment is appropriate for the country's former head of state. Yossi Beilin, a former justice minister who once led the dovish Meretz Party, said Katsav's public humiliation was enough of a punishment and would serve as a powerful deterrent to other officials. He said it was not in the public interest to see a former symbol of the state behind bars. "He obviously deserves a heavy punishment, but the question is whether we also deserve that punishment when the country is being portrayed all over the world as a country whose president is like this,"
Beilin told Israel's Army Radio. "I think the real punishment for Moshe Katsav is not to be separated from society but rather to remain on his street, to look into the eyes of those close to him, to look into the eyes of his grandchildren and to know that everyone knows the truth." The proposal was quickly lambasted by women's rights advocates. "A rapist's place is in prison," said former lawmaker Zahava Gal-On.
'Court not willing to intervene'
A pardon would have to come from Katsav's successor as president, Shimon Peres, whose office has refused to discuss the scenario.
Last week, a Tel Aviv court ruled that Katsav twice raped a woman who worked for him when he served as tourism minister in the 1990s, and assaulted and harassed two other woman who worked for him when he was president, from 2000 to 2007. The scathing ruling called him "manipulative" and said his testimony was riddled with lies. He faces between four to 16 years in prison for the offenses. Katsav attorney Zion Amir said he would announce whether he intends to appeal the verdict after sentencing, which is expected to be delivered within the next two months. Amir said Katsav and his team would not be making any other comments until sentencing takes place.
Experts seem to agree that a successful appeal is highly unlikely. Israel's Supreme Court traditionally only overturns convictions based on the interpretation of the law. It usually does not challenge the factual findings of lower courts that heard testimonies and questioned witnesses. Emanuel Gross, a criminal law professor at Haifa University, said the court "is not willing to intervene in any way whenever it gets to fact finding."
The ruling, reached after 18 months of closed door hearings, has been perceived locally as a victory for the Israeli legal system and women's rights. But it was also striking in its extremely categorical language, despite the lack of physical evidence and the apparent reliance on testimony, from the victims and from other witnesses who testified to similar behavior.
Katsav's legal troubles began late in his presidency when he complained in 2006 that a female employee was trying to blackmail him. The woman went to police with her side of the story, detailing a series of alleged sexual assaults. Other women then came forward with other complaints. He resigned a year later, two weeks before his seven-year term expired. Katsav has alleged he was a victim of a political witch hunt, and his legal team says the public climate against him influenced the judges' ruling. Prosecutors initially agreed to a plea bargain that would have required him to admit to lesser charges of sexual misconduct and kept him out of jail.
But Katsav rejected the plea bargain at the last minute in 2008 and vowed to clear his name in court. At the time, prosecutors said they offered the plea because the evidence may not suffice for a conviction. Law professor Uriel Procaccia said that raises questions over how the final verdict was so definitive. In light of the uncertainty, Procaccia wrote, "I find it hard to join the chorus celebrating (Katsav's) disgrace and cheering his conviction."
4 jan 2011
Yossi
Beilin tells Channel 1 that ex-president's trial was traumatic for the
country but that Israeli democracy passed the test.
Former justice minister Yossi Beilin told Channel 1 on Tuesday that ex-president Moshe Katsav should be pardoned after he is sentenced for his rape conviction.
Beilin said he thinks that once Katsav is sent to jail the right thing to do would be to immediately ease his sentence.
Beilin said that it would not be right for Israelis to see a former president in prison. He added that Katsav's real punishment would be having to face his wife, children and neighbors.
"That is much worse than prison," Beilin said.
Beilin said that the Katsav trial had been traumatic for Israel.
"For Israeli democracy, this was a type of test that it passed," he said. "Something happened that happens almost nowhere in the world and we need to be proud of our system."
Former justice minister Yossi Beilin told Channel 1 on Tuesday that ex-president Moshe Katsav should be pardoned after he is sentenced for his rape conviction.
Beilin said he thinks that once Katsav is sent to jail the right thing to do would be to immediately ease his sentence.
Beilin said that it would not be right for Israelis to see a former president in prison. He added that Katsav's real punishment would be having to face his wife, children and neighbors.
"That is much worse than prison," Beilin said.
Beilin said that the Katsav trial had been traumatic for Israel.
"For Israeli democracy, this was a type of test that it passed," he said. "Something happened that happens almost nowhere in the world and we need to be proud of our system."
31 dec 2010
Former
president who was convicted of rape, sexual harassment expected to get
jail time, but prosecution considers taking 'heavy price' he has
already paid into account. Defense attorneys to stress 'incitement
campaign'
Israel is ashamed: The eight president is a convicted sexual offender. In a historical verdict the Tel Aviv District Court ruled on Thursday that former President Moshe Katsav is guilty of two counts of rape of complainant A from the Tourism Ministry, as well as sexually harassing H, who worked alongside him.
In their verdict the judges, led by Judge George Kara, determined that Katsav lied when he claimed that the sexual relations were consensual.
The man who used to be citizen number 1 is now on his way to prison, and now the court must decide how long will he spend behind bars.
Following the conviction and prior to the sentencing, the prosecutors and Katsav's attorneys are preparing their final statements for the plea stage. The State
Prosecutors Ronit Amiel and Nissim Merom, State Prosecutor Moshe Lador and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein are expected to meet over the next few days to discuss the matter.
The maximal penalty for rape is 16 years in jail, and the prosecution is expected to request a substantial prison sentence.
The prosecution is expected to discuss the harsh criminal offenses Katsav has been convicted of, but will also take into account the heavy public price Katsav paid and the time that has past since the offenses were committed.
According to a prosecution official, "All of these considerations will be taken under account, as well as the public interest, and a decision will be made regarding the prosecution's stance."
'No need for character witnesses'
Katsav's attorneys, Avigdor Feldman, Zion Amir and Avi Lavie, are also preparing their arguments.
They intend to claim that the offences their client was convicted of are borderline events which occurred years ago.
Their central argument is expected to be based on "the media's conduct and the incitement campaign against Katsav." According to them, "journalists, commentators and polls turned against Katsav."
The former president's attorneys are expected to present newspaper excerpts to the court in an attempt to prove that "his blood was shed by the media and by (former A-G) Menachem Mazuz."
Katsav's attorneys are also expected to point out his contribution to the State during his terms as mayor, Knesset member, minister and president. They are positive there is no reason to bring character witnesses, "since his work speaks for itself."
It is yet to be determined whether Katsav himself will appear in court during the plea stage and request the court to reduce his sentence.
Following the convictions, the former president exited the courthouse appearing pale and humiliated. Those close to Katsav told Ynet they fear for his life. "We are afraid he won't survive the conviction and take his own life," one of them said. According to them, the court has already made up its mind against Katsav.
Complainants to file civil suit
Attorney Irit Baumhorn, a former member of the prosecution team, told Ynet she is pleased with the verdict. "I definitely feel satisfaction for the complainants. Their struggle is over. On a professional and personal note, I've always claimed this case has a good chance to get a conviction, and I'm happy my professional opinion turned out to be true," she said.
The former president will now have to face not only the upcoming prison sentence, but also civil suits the complainants intend to file, demanding compensation for the offenses.
Attorney Daniel Srur, representing complainant A from the Tourism Ministry, said: "We'll let the dust settle and then consider all of our options, which means civil proceedings. We have a long way to go, including the sentencing, and then we'll decide what the right thing to do is."
Complainant A, from the President's Residence, who was not included in the charge sheet, is also expected to sue Katsav. Her attorney is expected to file a criminal complaint accusing Katsav of assult. Attorney Eldad Yaniv, representing A, said: "We will examine every legal option, as well as a civil suit, in order to prove A is telling the truth. There is no doubt the story of the other victims reminds us of her story, and there is no doubt she is the hero of the day," he said.
As for the possibility that Katsav will request a presidential pardon from the current president, Shimon Peres, officials from the President's Residence said on Thursday that "everyone is equal in the eyes of the law."
After the sentencing, Katsav can turn to Peres and request a pardon, though officials from the President's Residence estimated that even if such a request would be made, the chances that Peres would grant it are low.
http://www.ynetnews
Israel is ashamed: The eight president is a convicted sexual offender. In a historical verdict the Tel Aviv District Court ruled on Thursday that former President Moshe Katsav is guilty of two counts of rape of complainant A from the Tourism Ministry, as well as sexually harassing H, who worked alongside him.
In their verdict the judges, led by Judge George Kara, determined that Katsav lied when he claimed that the sexual relations were consensual.
The man who used to be citizen number 1 is now on his way to prison, and now the court must decide how long will he spend behind bars.
Following the conviction and prior to the sentencing, the prosecutors and Katsav's attorneys are preparing their final statements for the plea stage. The State
Prosecutors Ronit Amiel and Nissim Merom, State Prosecutor Moshe Lador and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein are expected to meet over the next few days to discuss the matter.
The maximal penalty for rape is 16 years in jail, and the prosecution is expected to request a substantial prison sentence.
The prosecution is expected to discuss the harsh criminal offenses Katsav has been convicted of, but will also take into account the heavy public price Katsav paid and the time that has past since the offenses were committed.
According to a prosecution official, "All of these considerations will be taken under account, as well as the public interest, and a decision will be made regarding the prosecution's stance."
'No need for character witnesses'
Katsav's attorneys, Avigdor Feldman, Zion Amir and Avi Lavie, are also preparing their arguments.
They intend to claim that the offences their client was convicted of are borderline events which occurred years ago.
Their central argument is expected to be based on "the media's conduct and the incitement campaign against Katsav." According to them, "journalists, commentators and polls turned against Katsav."
The former president's attorneys are expected to present newspaper excerpts to the court in an attempt to prove that "his blood was shed by the media and by (former A-G) Menachem Mazuz."
Katsav's attorneys are also expected to point out his contribution to the State during his terms as mayor, Knesset member, minister and president. They are positive there is no reason to bring character witnesses, "since his work speaks for itself."
It is yet to be determined whether Katsav himself will appear in court during the plea stage and request the court to reduce his sentence.
Following the convictions, the former president exited the courthouse appearing pale and humiliated. Those close to Katsav told Ynet they fear for his life. "We are afraid he won't survive the conviction and take his own life," one of them said. According to them, the court has already made up its mind against Katsav.
Complainants to file civil suit
Attorney Irit Baumhorn, a former member of the prosecution team, told Ynet she is pleased with the verdict. "I definitely feel satisfaction for the complainants. Their struggle is over. On a professional and personal note, I've always claimed this case has a good chance to get a conviction, and I'm happy my professional opinion turned out to be true," she said.
The former president will now have to face not only the upcoming prison sentence, but also civil suits the complainants intend to file, demanding compensation for the offenses.
Attorney Daniel Srur, representing complainant A from the Tourism Ministry, said: "We'll let the dust settle and then consider all of our options, which means civil proceedings. We have a long way to go, including the sentencing, and then we'll decide what the right thing to do is."
Complainant A, from the President's Residence, who was not included in the charge sheet, is also expected to sue Katsav. Her attorney is expected to file a criminal complaint accusing Katsav of assult. Attorney Eldad Yaniv, representing A, said: "We will examine every legal option, as well as a civil suit, in order to prove A is telling the truth. There is no doubt the story of the other victims reminds us of her story, and there is no doubt she is the hero of the day," he said.
As for the possibility that Katsav will request a presidential pardon from the current president, Shimon Peres, officials from the President's Residence said on Thursday that "everyone is equal in the eyes of the law."
After the sentencing, Katsav can turn to Peres and request a pardon, though officials from the President's Residence estimated that even if such a request would be made, the chances that Peres would grant it are low.
http://www.ynetnews
Affiliates
of former president say he canceled scheduled meeting with lawyers
because he is 'too upset to leave house' after rape conviction, opting
even to invite friends over to pray instead of heading to synagogue as
usual.
Former President Moshe Katsav is depressed by the new word added to his title on Thursday "rapist" his affiliates said a day after the verdict.
Katsav was scheduled to meet with his lawyers Friday in light of the jail sentence hanging over his head, but they say he canceled the meeting because he does not want to leave his home in Kiryat Malachi.
"He is upset and doesn't want to go out," said an acquaintance of the former president, adding that friends and family fear for his life. "Katsav still refuses to digest the consequences of the verdict."
Israel's eighth president was convicted Thursday of the most serious crime ever attributed to an Israeli official.
He was found guilty of raping A. of the Tourism Ministry on two separate occasions, in addition to forceful indecent acts and sexual harassment.
On Friday Katsav did not head out to the synagogue to pray as usual, opting instead to host a number of friends at his home in order to complete a quorum. Even the grocer was summoned with produce in tow.
Both the prosecution and defense have begun preparing for the sentencing hearing. State prosecutors Ronit Amiel and Nissim Merom, State Prosecutor Moshe Lador and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein are expected to meet over the next few days to discuss the matter.
Katsav's attorneys, Avigdor Feldman, Zion Amir and Avi Lavie, are also preparing their arguments.
They intend to claim that the offences their client was convicted of are borderline events which occurred years ago.
Their central argument is expected to be based on "the media's conduct and the incitement campaign against Katsav." According to them, "journalists, commentators and polls turned against Katsav."
The former president will now have to face not only the upcoming prison sentence, but also civil suits the complainants intend to file, demanding compensation for the offenses.
http://www.ynetnews
Former President Moshe Katsav is depressed by the new word added to his title on Thursday "rapist" his affiliates said a day after the verdict.
Katsav was scheduled to meet with his lawyers Friday in light of the jail sentence hanging over his head, but they say he canceled the meeting because he does not want to leave his home in Kiryat Malachi.
"He is upset and doesn't want to go out," said an acquaintance of the former president, adding that friends and family fear for his life. "Katsav still refuses to digest the consequences of the verdict."
Israel's eighth president was convicted Thursday of the most serious crime ever attributed to an Israeli official.
He was found guilty of raping A. of the Tourism Ministry on two separate occasions, in addition to forceful indecent acts and sexual harassment.
On Friday Katsav did not head out to the synagogue to pray as usual, opting instead to host a number of friends at his home in order to complete a quorum. Even the grocer was summoned with produce in tow.
Both the prosecution and defense have begun preparing for the sentencing hearing. State prosecutors Ronit Amiel and Nissim Merom, State Prosecutor Moshe Lador and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein are expected to meet over the next few days to discuss the matter.
Katsav's attorneys, Avigdor Feldman, Zion Amir and Avi Lavie, are also preparing their arguments.
They intend to claim that the offences their client was convicted of are borderline events which occurred years ago.
Their central argument is expected to be based on "the media's conduct and the incitement campaign against Katsav." According to them, "journalists, commentators and polls turned against Katsav."
The former president will now have to face not only the upcoming prison sentence, but also civil suits the complainants intend to file, demanding compensation for the offenses.
http://www.ynetnews
30 dec 2010
Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav (C)
Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav has been found guilty of raping and sexually abusing several women during the time he was holding office.
The Tel Aviv district court on Thursday convicted Katsav on two counts of rape and other sex abuse charges, declaring that the ex-president's version of events was "riddled with lies."
The verdict was handed down more than four years after complaints surfaced severe sexual offenses against his employees, Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported.
Katsav was convicted of raping and sexually abusing a former employee from the tourism ministry. He was also convicted of sexually harassing two other women from the president's residence.
The year-long trial took place almost entirely behind closed doors on Thursday morning.
The verdict came one year and a half after the start of his trial and 12 years after allegedly committing the first of the offenses with which he was charged.
The conviction means Katsav will face a minimum of four years in prison.
The 65-year-old Katsav resigned in 2007 and was replaced by Shimon Peres.
Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav has been found guilty of raping and sexually abusing several women during the time he was holding office.
The Tel Aviv district court on Thursday convicted Katsav on two counts of rape and other sex abuse charges, declaring that the ex-president's version of events was "riddled with lies."
The verdict was handed down more than four years after complaints surfaced severe sexual offenses against his employees, Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported.
Katsav was convicted of raping and sexually abusing a former employee from the tourism ministry. He was also convicted of sexually harassing two other women from the president's residence.
The year-long trial took place almost entirely behind closed doors on Thursday morning.
The verdict came one year and a half after the start of his trial and 12 years after allegedly committing the first of the offenses with which he was charged.
The conviction means Katsav will face a minimum of four years in prison.
The 65-year-old Katsav resigned in 2007 and was replaced by Shimon Peres.
Page: 2 - 1
