Prisoners in Israel are requested to give a DNA sample, which is entered into the nation’s criminal database. Former president Moshe Katsav has been refusing the request for two months, unwilling to have his sample included in the database.

In addition, the former president continues to refuse to wear the prison uniform. It appears prison officials reached a compromise by which he wears the brown prisoner’s jacket for inspections, but he has not put on the uniform.

Police admit they are not certain if they will compel Katsav to give a DNA sample, with one senior officer explaining that today, the methods by which one can obtain a DNA sample are so sophisticated, they can obtain it without his cooperation.

Nevertheless, they are discussing the matter, if they should compel him to give a sample as is the case with all other prisoners.

Katsav is serving a prison term after being convicted for committing violent acts against others.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)