The attorney for former President Moshe Katsav and family members, including Mrs. Gila Katsav, have filed an official request seeking a presidential pardon. Mr. Katsav, who has served 4.5 years of a seven-year sentence expected to be released on good behavior a number of weeks ago but the parole board rejected the request.

Those close to the former president explain his mental state has significantly deteriorated since his request was rejected and they are asking for the presidential pardon fearing the worst if he is compelled to remain in prison.

One of the public officials who object to the early release is Meretz opposition party leader MK Zahava Gal-On, who told Israel Radio Reshet Bet on Monday morning 9 Nissan that she does not doubt the legitimacy of the report regarding Mr. Katsav’s mental health. However, she feels releasing him early is tantamount to ignoring the mental health of all the women victimized by the former president. Gal-On added that there is also the message being sent to society and early release for such a senior state official convicted of attacks against women is the wrong message and such an act is unacceptable.

She added the system is quite capable of providing the former president with mental health services while completing the remainder of his prison term.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)