Israeli-Canadian Freed After 12 Years in Iraqi Prison

An Israeli-Canadian dual citizen, Ben Hasin, has been released from a prison in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, after serving nearly 12 years of a sentence for killing a local taxi driver. Hasin had traveled to Kurdistan approximately 12 years ago during the war against ISIS, intending to volunteer with forces fighting the terrorist organization.

During his stay, an incident occurred in a taxi with a local driver. Hasin claims the driver felt threatened, possibly after realizing Hasin was Israeli or hearing him speak Hebrew, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the driver's death. Hasin described the event as an act of self-defense.

Initially sentenced to death, Hasin's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Later, following a reconciliation with the victim's family, his sentence was reduced to 15 years. This agreement also required a payment of $120,000 to the family.

Significant efforts were made over the years for Hasin's release, involving his lawyer, Alan Lewis, former Israeli Foreign Ministry official Eyal Siso, and members of the American Jewish community. His sentence was further reduced by one-third due to good behavior, finalizing his release this week.

Upon his release, Hasin expressed immense gratitude, stating, "It's like I've been given another chance at life." He hopes to return to Israel.