The parole board today (Monday) accepted the request of sex offender Alon Kastiel for early release from prison.
Castiel, who was convicted of committing sexual offenses with four women, has so far served nearly four years in prison out of four years and nine months in prison.
In January 2018, the Tel Aviv District Court sentenced him to four years and nine months in prison as part of a plea bargain in attempted rape, indecent assault, indecent assault and sexual harassment.
After three years in prison the committee discussed his application, to a brother who claimed to have undergone the required treatment in prison and was given full responsibility for his actions.
The prosecutors then thought that the plea agreement was appropriate.
With regard to reducing the number of complainants from 15 to 4, they said at the time that the prosecution would file an indictment only when it is believed that there is a reasonable chance of conviction.
"Serious injury in the fight against sex offenders"
As you may recall, in early September 2016, Castiel was charged with committing sexual acts and was initially charged with two counts of rape.
Castiel's defense attorney at the time, Adv. Meital Danino and Roi Belcher, then claimed that there was a statute of limitations regarding the same case because 10 years had passed since the act attributed to him.
Naamat chairman Hagit Peer: "The parole board has become a 'first come, first served' committee - every sex offender will know that the sentence is just an opening for a scandalous bargain.
What a terrible message to victims of crime, what a shocking message to brave women who have the courage to complain - shame and disgrace. "
Advocate Einat Fischer
-Lalo, director general of the Women's Lobby in Israel, said:
"Red lines should be drawn in the phenomenon. The light sentences along with the frequent releases are a difficult message for victims who dare to stand up and say so far. Call on the prosecution to continue its opposition by appealing the decision."
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