Katsav seeks presidential pardon
Disgraced president files clemency petition less than one year after he begins serving seven-year sentence for rape; fails to express any remorse
Former President Moshe Katsav, who is currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sexual offenses, has filed a petition for a presidential pardon.
The petition was filed with the Justice Ministry, as required. Once reviewed, it will be forwarded to President Shimon Peres, who make the final decision on the matter.
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Ynet has learned that Gila Katsav, the president's wife, personally presented a copy of the petition to Peres.
Sources familiar with the move told Ynet on Monday that Katsav expressed no remorse for his actions.
Legalists told Ynet that a presidential pardon is made possible only after a prisoner has admitted his crimes and expressed explicit remorse for his actions, and therefore it is likely that the petition will be denied.
Cases involving pardons for convicted sex offenders also require the expressed consent of the prisoner to undergo treatment and rehabilitation – none of which are said to be included in Kastav's petition.
Kastav, who began serving his sentence in December 2011, has maintained his innocence throughout his tumultuous trial.
The eighth president became the first president in Israel's history to ever be convicted of a crime after he was found guilty of several counts of rape and sexual offenses against female employees in his various offices, throughout his political career.
He appealed both the verdict and the sentence. Both motions were denied by the High Court.
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