Thursday, August 04, 2016
Update on Moshe Katsav
In my last post some 5 years ago I expressed skepticism that Moshe Katsav, former Israeli president and convicted rapist, would serve any time on his 7-year sentence. Well, kudos to the Israeli government! Mr. Katsav not only went to prison but, thanks to an Israeli parole board, will continue to serve out his sentence.
As I noted at the time, Katsav committed a sex-related crime, which is about the only crime the Western world will not countenance in its leaders.
Memo to Donald Trump: Should you inexplicably become President of the United States, keep those trousers zipped and those little hands to yourself.
Related post
Criminal of the Day: Moshe Katsav (3/22/2011)
As I noted at the time, Katsav committed a sex-related crime, which is about the only crime the Western world will not countenance in its leaders.
Memo to Donald Trump: Should you inexplicably become President of the United States, keep those trousers zipped and those little hands to yourself.
Related post
Criminal of the Day: Moshe Katsav (3/22/2011)
Labels: criminal justice, Israel, Moshe Katsav, rule of law, sex crimes
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Criminal of the Day: Moshe Katsav
An Israeli court sentenced Moshe Katsav, the country’s former president, to seven years in prison for rape on Tuesday. The sentencing is the latest stage in a sordid drama that Israel’s leaders point to as proof of the principle of equality before the law, but one that has also seen the prestige of Israel’s highest office brought to a historic low. —Isabel Kershner reporting in "Ex-Israeli President Sentenced to Prison for Rape"
I am always cheered at the prospect of a national leader going to jail, since justice will not have been served until George Bush and Dick Cheney have done some time. But, alas, there are some points to be made about this "proof of the principle of equality before the law."
First is that Katsav was the head of state, not the head of government—an office held by the prime minister. As such he held no significant power. More like the Queen, really.
Second, Mr. Katsav has not gone to jail yet. As his lawyer noted, “Regarding the sentence, I have no doubt that this was not the last word.” Neither do I. After the appeals I will be pleasantly surprised if Mr. Katsav serves a day of his sentence.
Third, the crime was about sex. Heads of state and government should take heart that they can commit any atrocity, any fraud, any deception, any aggression, any torture—indeed, any crime whatsoever—so long as they keep their pants zipped. We should remember that only the second impeachment in American history was occasioned by a blow job (yes, I know—that he lied about it) and that the term of the current Italian Prime Minister and media tyrant Silvio Berlusconi may be brought short by his dalliance with a 16-year-old.
So much for the rule of law.
Update: Update on Moshe Katsav (8/4/2016)
I am always cheered at the prospect of a national leader going to jail, since justice will not have been served until George Bush and Dick Cheney have done some time. But, alas, there are some points to be made about this "proof of the principle of equality before the law."
First is that Katsav was the head of state, not the head of government—an office held by the prime minister. As such he held no significant power. More like the Queen, really.
Second, Mr. Katsav has not gone to jail yet. As his lawyer noted, “Regarding the sentence, I have no doubt that this was not the last word.” Neither do I. After the appeals I will be pleasantly surprised if Mr. Katsav serves a day of his sentence.
Third, the crime was about sex. Heads of state and government should take heart that they can commit any atrocity, any fraud, any deception, any aggression, any torture—indeed, any crime whatsoever—so long as they keep their pants zipped. We should remember that only the second impeachment in American history was occasioned by a blow job (yes, I know—that he lied about it) and that the term of the current Italian Prime Minister and media tyrant Silvio Berlusconi may be brought short by his dalliance with a 16-year-old.
So much for the rule of law.
Update: Update on Moshe Katsav (8/4/2016)
Labels: criminal justice, Israel, Moshe Katsav, rule of law, sex crimes
