Outrage over possible release of rapist Katsav

THE POSSIBILITY that former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, who was convicted on multiple rape charges, could be released from jail early has sparked anger from politicians and women’s rights organisations.

Mr Katsav, who is currently serving a seven-year sentence, is up for parole in two weeks as the two-thirds mark of his sentence approaches.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was reported by Channel Ten to be in favour of recommending his early release, despite his repeated denial of having committed any crimes and expressing no remorse.

Ms Shaked has denied having expressed an opinion on the issue, which will ultimately be decided by President Reuven Rivlin.

Writing on Facebook, Zionist Union MK Shelly Yachimovich said that Katsav was “a psychopathic, violent, serial sex offender” who did not deserve to go free.

She added: that Katsav’s release would “send a terrible message to the victims and will destroy the impressive progress” that Israeli society had made in fighting sexual crimes.

Meanwhile, three Meretz MKs — Zehava Galon, Tamar Zandberg and Michal Rozin — released a statement saying that “his early release will send a message that abuse of authority and harming women is not taken seriously”.

The controversy over Katsav’s release is coming at a time when the issue of sexual violence in the workplace is on the public agenda.

Following a series of resignations by senior police officers over allegations of sexual harassment, Commissioner Rony Alsheikh caused an uproar when he said the police would no longer investigate anonymous accusations.

Another major Israeli organisation gripped by allegations of sexual misconduct is the IDF.

One of the most prominent field commanders, Brigadier General Ofek Buchris, has been suspended and is under investigation over accusations that he raped two female former subordinates.