Katsav says he now 'understands victims' feelings'
The convicted rapist and former president tells parole board recent treatment he underwent in prison helped him to reach new understandings concerning his crimes; however, he has yet to take responsibility for his actions or ask for victims' forgiveness.
Former president Moshe Katsav, a convicted rapist, told the parole board on Sunday that the treatment he underwent in prison has helped him to reach new understandings concerning his crimes.
Katsav is serving a seven-year sentence for rape and indecent acts committed against women working under him and is now seeking early release for the third time.
The 72-year-old felon, who underwent treatment for "guilt deniers" in prison, asked for forgiveness from anyone who was hurt by him and said he understood his victims' feelings.
Despite this, the State Attorney's Office remains opposed to early release, saying Katsav has failed to take responsibility for his actions or ask for his victims' forgiveness.
The State Attorney's Office noted that the treatment the disgraced former president underwent in prison was insufficient and that it would reconsider its position if Katsav goes through a more significant treatment.
The Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority has already recommended granting Katsav early release. The authority prepared a detailed rehabilitation plan for Katsav to follow upon his release, which includes daily Torah lessons as well as regular meetings with a social worker and a psychologist who will help him reenter society. As part of his rehabilitation, Katsav will have to refrain from defaming his victims.
The parole board is due to decide whether to release Katsav or not on December 18.
As Katsav has already served five years—more than two thirds of his seven-year sentence—if his application for parole is granted, he will be immediately released from prison.
At the end of the four-hour hearing, Katsav returned to his cell, telling family and friends, "I believe and hope for the best."
His lawyer Shani Illouz said following the hearing, "Katsav has come a long way, especially after the latest treatment he underwent in prison, and should be released immediately."
Daniel Sarur, who represents one of Katsav's victims, A. from the Tourism Ministry, said that "Until he asks for forgiveness from his victims, in his own voice, there must be no considerations of early release."
