Former President Moshe Katsav submitted a third request for early release from prison, where he serves as seven-year term after being convicted of assaulting women. While the former President has yet to admit his guilt, he has been taking part in a program for those who deny their guilt and now tells parole authorities he can understand what the victims feel like. However, he has yet to admit to his actions or express remorse.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit remains opposed to his early release, in part due to Mr. Katsav’s refusal to admit his guilt and express remorse. In the meantime, parole officials seem to be willing to dismiss the 72-year-old former president providing he agrees to take part in a daily rehabilitation program that includes meetings with psychologists and social workers as well as daily shiurei Torah.

Mr. Katsav has served over five years of the term and is requesting early release after serving two-thirds for good behavior, which customarily granted to prisoners. However, women’s rights activists feel this must not apply to one of his stature and he must be compelled to serve his entire term. Others site that for as long as the former president is unwilling to admit to his crimes and express remorse there cannot be any talk of early release.

The parole board has indicated it will announce its decision on 18 Kislev.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)