Katsav meets attorneys for first time since conviction

Former President Moshe Katsav, who was convicted of two counts of rape, indecent acts and obstruction of justice last week, met with his attorneys Zion Amir, Avigdor Feldman and Avraham Lavi in his home in Kiryat Malachi on Monday for the first time since his conviction.

The three refused to comment as they entered the house. "You're wasting your time," Feldman told reporters.

The three also refused to offer any insight into the content of the meeting after they left Katsav's house.

The lawyers are slated to discuss with Katsav whether there is room for an appeal.

In addition to the issue of the appeal, Katsav's attorneys are also preparing to argue regarding the sentence. It appears they plan to argue that the offences for which Katsav was convicted occurred many years ago and the fact that such a long period of time had elapsed prevented the ex-president from aptly defending himself. Their main argument is slated to be based on "media conduct and the campaign against Katsav."

Katsav held his daily visit to the synagogue Monday. His brothers Lior and Yoram visited him in his home but refused to comment, whereas his son-in-law asked the reporters "to show some sensitivity toward their family."

Among the friends who visited Katsav was an old acquaintance, Gershon Elgayev. "There is injustice on the part of Knesset Members and people who followed Katsav all those years. Why should his family alone stand beside him in these trying times? The Knesset needs to stand by him now. I saw inside a strong man, thank God he's holding on. Whoever stands his ground is a man confident of his innocence and I believe him."

Three attorneys outside Katsav's home (Photo: Eliad Levy)

Katsav's chief of staff Zvika Bruckner said Sunday: "I was not aware of sexual deals. There was gossip dating back to his time at the Transportation Ministry, but one cannot address gossip."

Bruckner and Rafi Ben Hur, a close associate of the ex-president, are still considered public servants. They are not suspected of any felonies despite being noted in the verdict as "Katsav's faithful emissaries" who conspired against A.

Following Ynet's query, Civil Service Commission spokesman Aryeh Greenblatt said: "We did not receive reports on the employees, not from the police or the State Prosecutor's Office. Following your query we have asked to receive a copy of the verdict from the State Prosecutor's Office and will accordingly consider the need to open procedural and disciplinary proceedings."

Naama Cohen-Friedman contributed to this report

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