Moshe Katsav petitioned to Court for Passover leave

Former president Moshe Katsav, who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and other sex offences, petitioned to Lod's District Court asking for a Passover leave from prison, after the Israeli Prison Service denied his request on grounds that a minimal period of time is required between vacations. Katsav's last prison furlough was on the holiday of Purim, on March 16.

The plea stated that there are "special circumstances" in which prisoners may apply for furloughs. (Naama Cohen-Freidman).