Ex-president Katsav to be released from prison early

Former president and convicted rapist Moshe Katsav will be released from prison early, a parole board has ruled in a decision announced now.

The court does not say when Katsav will be released.

“We have come to the conclusion that the time has come to order the prisoner’s release,” the ruling from the parole board reads.

Former president Moshe Katsav walks out of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on November 10, 2011, after the court unanimously upheld the Tel Aviv District Court’s rape conviction. (Kobi Gideon/Flash90)

Katsav will be subject to several conditions, such as checking in with a parole officer, continuing to attend a rehabilitation program and therapy session, and a restriction on speaking to the media.

The ruling comes after Katsav, convicted of rape and other sexual offenses, was rejected twice over his refusal to admit he had done anything wrong or try to rehabilitate himself.

He has served over five years of a seven-year sentence.