Naama Issachar
“Guided by the principle of humanity, I hereby order that Naama Issachar be pardoned,” read Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree, which the Kremlin said took immediate effect.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for almost a year,” said her mother, Yaffa Issachar. “It’s been a long journey that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin reassures Yaffa Issachar, whose daughter is imprisoned in Russia on drug charges, after meeting her together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
His arrival, according to Micky Aharonson, a fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, “is a goal in itself. It is important for Putin to portray himself as anti-fascist and a fighter against anti-Semitism. This gives him credit in the international community. It is good for Putin.”
Russian and Israeli media report that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be considering a pardon for Naama Issachar ahead of his visit to Israel • Naama’s mother, Yaffa Issachar, says “this is the moment of truth,” asks supporters not to interfere with Putin’s visit.
A prisoner-exchange deal to secure the release of Naama Issachar, 27, who is being held in Russia on drug charges, “is not being looked at,” says Russia’s deputy foreign minister.
“We do not abandon anyone to his fate,” wrote Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Naama Issachar, 27, who was arrested in Moscow on drug charges in April.
The family of Naama Issachar, 26, says she was not allowed to take any personal items with her, including warm clothing, and is unable to receive mail or visitors other than her lawyer.
The seven-year prison sentence for Israeli-American Naama Issachar as well as the recent questioning of dozens of Israeli travelers has brought the complex relationship between the two countries into the public eye.
Following two hours of questioning and fingerprinting, all passengers were released.
“I’m not a magician, but I’ll bring Naama home,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells supporters • Israeli American Naama Issachar, 26, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison on drug charges.
The Russians submitted a petition asking Israel to extradite the hacker to Moscow, but Israel’s Supreme Court rejected the request.
