An Israel Prison Authority parole board on Thursday, 29 Tammuz, announced once again it was rejected a request from former President Moshe Katsav, 71, for early release. Mr. Katsav, who has served 4.5 years of his seven-year prison term was hoping to have one-third wiped away as is customary, for good behavior. However, this request was denied first time around, as was a presidential pardon, leaving Mr. Katsav’s legal team with the option of appealing the decision.
Prior to hearing the second request some noteworthy events occurred, modification of rules permitting one’s release on parole. While in the past part of the parole process including admitting one’s guilt and remorse, this is no longer required, seemingly tailor made to accommodate Katsav who maintains his innocence, insisting he was wrongly convicted.
As per the recommendation of the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, the parole board convened for a second time, adding two social workers, and once again, denied the request.
During his interview Mr. Katsav explained “I am not free of errors…I was in a position of authority and should have acted differently”.
The authority also prepared a rehabilitation plan for the former president, which included daily limud Torah and meetings with both social worker and psychologist, to assist him in re-entering normal life. it also stipulated he must refrain from defaming the victims as he has in the past.
However, the decision has been rendered and Moshe Katsav will be compelled to complete the remaining 2.5 years of his sentence barring new developments in the case. Katsav attorney Tzion Amir stated “We will appeal this decision. There was blatant involvement of female Members of Knesset, calling members of the parole board. How can it be that the prosecutor agreed to the release of Dan Cohen but not Katsav?”.
The parole board has granted the request of convicted embezzler Etti Alon after she served 15 years in prison, as per the YWN-ISRAEL report. Former Justice Dan Cohen, 74, was also granted parole.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
The whole trial שand conviction was a political frame-up from the start. Somebody just didn’t want him to be president!
The politicization of the judicial system in Israel and the resulting horrible injustice done to M. Katzav, including the parole refusal, is appalling.
Now that the establishment has demonstrated their full vindictiveness, the president should be a mensch and grant him a FULL PARDON!
The women who gave false testimony against him should have been prosecuted and NOT Katzav!!
Edgar, just curious, how do you know that her testimony was false?