Ruling on Katsav appeal to be issued Thursday
Will Moshe Katsav go to jail for seven years? Supreme Court to determine fate of former president convicted of rape
The Supreme Court on Sunday it will issue a ruling on the appeal of former President Moshe Katsav on Thursday at 9 am. Close associates of Katsav said the former president is extremely tense ahead of the hearing and looking forward to seening an end the legal saga.
Last May, Katsav filed an appeal after the Tel Aviv District Court sentenced him to seven years in prison for rape, indecent acts, sexual harassment and obstruction of justice.
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"We hope we'll have smiles on our faces on that day and that this dreadful nightmare will come to an end at last," Katsav associates said.
Former president at Supreme Court hearing (Photo: Noam Moskowitz)
The panel discussing the appeal has written a short summary of its ruling which the judges will read out on Thursday. Many at the legal system are already speculating as to whether the fact that such a summary was written meant anything. Some believe it suggests the judges will intervene in the verdict or sentencing.
Earlier this year, it was decided to delay Katsav's prison sentence until a decision on his appeal is issued. Even if the Supreme Court decides to reject the appeal or reduce his sentence, Katsav is not expected to go behind bars immediately on Thursday. In such a case he will probably be given a few extra days to prepare before going into prison.
Katsav was sentenced to seven years in prison as well as three years on probation and ordered to pay NIS 100,000 in compensation to complainant A. from the Tourism Ministry and NIS 25,000 to complainant L. He was also found guilty of moral turpitude.
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