The parole board hearing the request for early release from former President Moshe Katsav, 70, did not announce its ruling on Sunday, 24 Adar-II as it indicated it would. The parole board heard the petition to remove one-third from Mr. Katsav’s term as is customary, for good behavior. If the parole board accepts the request, Mr. Katsav would be released this month, in April. He was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to the seven-year term.

There is a controversy surrounding the routine parole request. Some opine a former president convicted of rape and assault should be dealt with harsher and not permitted early release. Others feel he should not be discriminated against and he is entitled to early release for good behavior as all prisoners are.

Katsav did not appear before the parole board alone, but armed with four attorneys.

However, at the heart of the controversy is the fact that to date, Mr. Katsav has not admitted to his actions and therefore, has not expressed remorse. In cases such as these, a rehabilitation program is not put into place since the prisoner does not admit guilt. This too is an issue being debated.

Some add that the parole board is only authorized to determine if a prisoner is qualified based on behavior while this too is argued, with others insisting the fact that he has not expressed remorse or admitted to his actions must be taken into consideration. Mr. Katsav insists he was wrongly accused and convicted.

The board’s decision is now expected to be announced on Wednesday, 27 Adar-II.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)