A total of 7 years in prison was the verdict given to the former Israeli President Moshe Katsav. Aside from the prison term given to him he will also pay a fine of $25,000 and $7,000 to two of his victims. Ex-President Katsav was found guilty of rape and other sexual offenses.
Moshe Katsav was the 8th President of Israel having served the Israeli government from August 1, 2000 until July 1, 2007 through resignation from office. He was the first President from the right-wing Likud Party to be elected as President after serving as Deputy Prime Minister under Netanyahu’s government.
The convicted former president will also loose his 1.8 million New Israeli Shekels in annual state benefits upon receiving the verdict although he is allowed to appeal for it. The sexual offense in which he is convicted have involved moral turpitude.
The 1.8 million NIS annual benefits will supposed to be used for the rest of their lives in which all former presidents have enjoyed. It is intended for their personal funding.
The conviction of Katsav was an indication that no one is above the law, according to the victims it uplifts their morale and bring them back partial dignity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also quoted as saying “An important day for justice in Israel” he said in an interview with the Jerusalem Post.
