Murderer of Teen Cousin Released After 22 Years, Victim’s Family Shocked
About 23 years ago, Munder Issa murdered his teenage cousin Roa Issa in the village of Kafr Qasim, a crime the court ruled was motivated by family honor. He was sentenced to life imprisonment approximately a year and a half after the murder. However, after serving 22 years, Issa was released early by the parole board at Ma'asiyahu Prison under strict conditions including hostel residence, full-time employment, and participation in therapy groups. The victim’s parents expressed shock and dismay at the decision, with Roa’s father, Hamdallah Issa, telling ynet that they did not agree with the release and could not understand how it was approved.
Roa was killed at age 17 while on her way to school with her sister, who remains traumatized by the event. The father rejected the family honor motive, explaining that Roa had ended her engagement to a man who was a friend of the murderer. He accused the ex-fiancé of orchestrating the murder after she broke off the engagement. The two families have no contact and no reconciliation is expected.
The parole board allowed the publication of Issa’s name and noted that despite the victim’s family’s opposition, the decision was based on a comprehensive review of his behavior during incarceration. Issa underwent extensive rehabilitation, including treatment for domestic violence, and was integrated into the prison’s rehabilitation department. The state prosecutor noted the severity of the crime but acknowledged the legal obligation to consider the inmate’s conduct and progress.
Issa expressed remorse during the hearing and stated his intention to build a family and live a normal life. His lawyers described him as a model prisoner and highlighted the rarity of a life sentence being reduced by a full third. The parole board concluded that Issa is no longer dangerous and has shown significant change, making his release justified despite the victim’s family’s objections.
The victim’s father called on the government and law enforcement to recognize the gravity of the decision and warned that it sets a precedent for leniency in serious murder cases.
