Israeli board denies early parole for ex-President Katsav
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An Israeli parole board has rejected an appeal for early release by the country's former president, Moshe Katsav, who is serving a prison sentence for sex crimes.
The board unanimously ruled Wednesday that Katsav should complete his 7 year jail term.
Katsav's attorney, Tzion Amir, said he would appeal the decision.
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Katsav resigned in June 2007 after being charged with rape and sexual harassment. He began his sentence in 2011. Katsav has repeatedly professed his innocence.
Israel's presidency is a largely ceremonial office, typically filled by a respected elder statesman expected to rise above politics and serve as a moral compass. Most political power is in the hands of the prime minister.
Katsav was replaced by Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres, who has since left office.