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Refused to wear uniform? Katsav on Wednesday
Photo: EPA

'Katsav doesn’t want to be seen in prison uniform'

Former president's sisters arrive to prison, but Katsav refuses to step out of cell donning orange uniform. Supporters gather outside jail, call out: 'We love you president Katsav'

Inmate Moshe Katsav was entitled to his first prison visit on Friday, but sources privy to the former president said Katsav does not want to be seen in the prisoners' uniform.

 

The Israel Prison Service said that Katsav's relatives did not coordinate their arrival ahead of time, as required by all family members visiting inmates.

 

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On Fridays, the prison holds three rounds of visitations; however the former president's family did not show up to any of them.

 

According to reports, Katsav's family might visit him in jail on Sunday, however he will not be allowed to meet with them if he continues refusing to wear the uniform.

 

Prisoners staying in the jail's religious wing are not required to wear the orange uniform that other prisoners wear, except when receiving visitors.

 

Katsav, who was told he would have to wear the uniform during visits, may have called his relatives and asked them not to come.

 

Later on Friday, a few of Katsav's relatives arrived outside of Maasiyahu Prison, but the jailed former president remained in his cell and did not meet with them.

 

Among the visitors were Katsav's sisters Gila Irani and Shoshana Dayan, as well as other relatives. Katsav's wife, Gila, stayed at home along with their sons.

 

Meanwhile a crowd of supporters gathered outside the prison, calling out with megaphones: "You strengthen us, you are our power, the people of Israel believe in you.

 

"We know you're blood has been spilled. Shabbat Shalom president Katsav, we love you and embrace you," the supporters called out.

 

Katsav was convicted of two counts of rape, sexual harassment and obstruction of justice. He began serving his 7-year sentence on Wednesday.

 

Raanan Ben-Zur contributed to this report

 

 

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.09.11, 13:41
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