Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav requested a presidential pardon to appeal his rape conviction.
Katsav’s wife, Gila, filed the request with the Justice Ministry. It will be forwarded to President Shimon Peres.
Katsav, 65, is serving a seven-year jail sentence for his conviction on two counts of rape and other sexual offenses. He entered prison in December 2011.
His petition reportedly asks for a pardon so that he can appeal the conviction and clear his name. It also says that Katsav did not get a fair trial and that having to resign as president was punishment enough.
He reportedly has not expressed remorse for his crime, which is necessary for receiving a pardon.
His appeal as tendered likely will be rejected by Peres, according to reports. — jta