Breaking News: Former President Moshe Katsav to Go Free

By Andrew Friedman/TPS

Israel’s parole board has accepted a request to release former President Moshe Katsav, currently serving a seven-year prison sentence for two counts of rape, one case of indecent acts and one count of sexual harassment. He has served five years of his term, and never admitted guilt or expressed remorse for his actions.

Katsav will not be released until next week, in order to give prosecutors an opportunity to appeal the parole board decision.

Saturday night, Israel Radio reported that last week, Katsav wept while asking for parole, and said he needs to “change his behavior.” Women’s organizations said that Katsav’s comments do not amount to expressing remorse.

At the request of prosecutors, Katsav will not be released until next week.

*This is a developing story.