Ex-president Katsav may win early prison release at hearing

Former president and convicted rapist Moshe Katsav may be granted an early release from prison when he faces a parole board Wednesday, after spending five years behind bars.

Katsav, 70, was convicted on December 30, 2010, on two counts of rape, among other charges. He began serving his sentence in December 2011, and is slated for release in December 2018.

Earlier this year, Katsav was denied early parole after the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority recommended against it, noting that he has not acknowledged or expressed contrition for his crimes, sees himself as the victim in the case and shows no empathy toward his victims.

Earlier this month, the rehabilitation authority reversed its recommendation following a meeting with Katsav. According to the Yedioth Ahronoth daily, the former president has agreed to a rehabilitation regimen after his release that includes religious study, regular meetings with social workers, and a commitment to not besmirch his victims.

The parole board hearing on Wednesday will take place at Ma’asiyahu Prison, where Katsav is serving his sentence.

According to Israel Radio, the state prosecution is expected to oppose early release for Katsav, as it has in previous parole hearings, arguing that Katsav has not participated in any rehabilitation programs offered by the prison.

Last week, Katsav’s lawyer Yehoshua Reznik would not say whether his client assumed responsibility or expressed regret for his crimes.

The attorney and Katsav’s family reportedly told him to cooperate with the demands of social workers, after Katsav has for years insisted he does not require therapy or rehabilitation.

One of Katsav’s victims slammed the changed recommendation last week, suggesting political pressure was behind the new call to free the former president.

“What happened all of a sudden?” Odelia Carmon wondered in an interview with Army Radio.

If he goes free, “it would be unprecedented in Israel, and would send a very negative message, both about women and about sex offenders,” Carmon, who was assaulted by Katsav in the early 1990s, said Thursday.

In April, the parole board had unanimously rejected Katsav’s plea for early release. The request triggered a firestorm of criticism, including from lawmakers and at least one of Katsav’s victims.

Last Tuesday, the Lod District Court decided Katsav could have another parole hearing, despite opposition from the state prosecution. It also instructed the Prisons Service to prepare a rehabilitation program for him.