Canadian-Israeli Freed From Kurdistan Prison After 11 Years

Ben Hassin, a Canadian citizen with Israeli nationality of Kurdish origin, has been released from prison in Kurdistan after serving 11 years. He was imprisoned following a dispute that resulted in the death of a Kurdish man, and he faced a death sentence.

Hassin's release was secured after funds were raised last year to facilitate a reconciliation with the victim's family. This reconciliation led to the commutation of his death sentence. He is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days.

The release efforts were spearheaded by international lawyer Alan (Avraham) Lavi, along with a group of activists from the United States, including Hershel Gatdiner, Shimon Ralinitzky, Meir Zvi Toiber, and Shlomo Lando. Hassin recited the "Shehecheyanu" blessing upon his release and expressed gratitude to Eyal Siso, a former senior official in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for his significant assistance.

Activists involved in the release clarified that information circulated about a year ago regarding Hassin's arrest was inaccurate, stemming from misinformation. They stated that the previously reported details were incorrect due to deception.