Former President Moshe Katsav reportedly broke down and cried during the 12-hour parole board hearing on Sunday, 17 Adar-II. If the parole board approves his early release, a third will be removed from his seven-year prison term and he will be released next month.

Katsav reportedly cried before the hearing as he continues to insist he was wrongfully imprisoned and that he is not guilty despite the convictions for the rape and assault of a number of women. Hence, denying his convictions, there are no expressions of remorse.

Talk of his possible early release has sparked an audible voice of stern opposition, primarily among female Members of Knesset and activists who feel that due to the severity of his convictions, a former president should not be released early but compelled to serve an entire sentence. Others opine that despite being a former president he should not be punished and is entitled to wiping a third from his sentence for good behavior as are all prisoners in the system.

During the hearing Mr. Katsav explained how he has suffered in prison and the years during his trial. He insists he poses no danger to anyone and that he was targeted by a conspiracy and at the age of 71 he was not about to request forgiveness for something he did not do.

Due to the high profile nature of the case and the possible early release, the parole board has signaled announcing its decision will be delayed until next week.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)