Jerusalem – Yosef Bando, the youngest of the three Israeli boys imprisoned in Japan after being convicted of smuggling drugs, is now a free man after receiving time off for good behavior and having his sentence reduced, with the approval of the Japanese government, by Israeli president Shimon Peres.
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Bando, known by the masses around the world who prayed for him as Yosef ben Ita Rivka, a resident of Bnei Brak, and two other Chareidi bochurim were apprehended in Japan in April 2008 after drugs were found in a suitcase they were carrying for someone else. The three bochurim, all of whom professed their innocence, passed a polygraph test and the owner of the drug laden suitcase is now serving a three year prison sentence in Israel.
While both Israeli and Japanese law allow for a committee to grant a one third reduction in the length of a prison term for good behavior, Israeli law permits the reduction to be granted even before two thirds of the sentence has been served, while Japanese law stipulates that the one third reduction can only be given after two thirds of the sentence has already been served.
Bando was transferred to Israel from Japan last March and was legally bound only by Israeli law but the Israeli government is vigilant in following the laws of the country where the sentence was originally being served. Japanese authorities graciously agreed to allow Bando to take advantage of the Israeli law and apply for the one third reduction in his sentence even before two thirds of his sentence had been served.
Additionally, Japanese authorities were amenable to President Peres’ shortening of Bando’s sentence by one year, which set into motion the completion of Bando’s term and his release.
“Once his term had been sentenced to four years, the three years that were served constituted two thirds of the actual prison term and with the additional reduction of one third of his term for good behavior, Yosef Bando has completed his sentence and was released from prison,” explained renowned Israeli lawyer Mordechai Tzivin in an exclusive interview with VIN News.
Tzivin, who represents the other two imprisoned Israeli bochurim expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for working hand in hand with Israel to allow for Bando’s release.
“The biggest thanks here goes to the Japanese authorities,” said Tzivin. “We could never have accomplished this without their permission and blessing. The Japanese government showed their compassion and proved that they are sensitive humanitarians. Many other countries would not have worked with us in such a way and there are no words to express our appreciation to the Japanese authorities. I am confident that in due time, the judge in the case of the other two boys who are being held in this case will find them not guilty and they will be allowed to go free as well.”
RE: The biggest thanks here goes to the Japanese authorities,”
The biggest thanks goes to hashem the allmighty who heard out tefilos and released him.
Hope people will write responsable commants. You may never know who is reading them.
Boruch matir asurim
CHASDEI HASHEM KI LO SUMNIE – B”H – IY”H by the “other two” in Japan very quickly.
Bet you this boy won’t be taking anyone’s package’s anywhere, anytime soon.
I am so happy for the Bchur but there is also a lession to be leared from this ordeal
Teach your children never to accept packages from people when traveling and obey the laws.
There is one of two lessons:
1) Don’t be a gullible world audience and believe that a few yeshiva bochurim just happen to be going to Japan and suspect nothing about being entrusted with packages? What’s in Japan to go to?
2) If sincere, Yeshiva people should be taught about the world, not locked up in Israeli yeshivas and not even taught English subjects
The Japanese govt. Is indeed very gracious and kind in this matter, however I am utterly shocked at the paltry 3 year sentence the “sender” got. I would expect a 25 year sentence at least.
The big question,why is the lowlife drug dealer who set up the boys, only doing a 3 year stint,instead of 25 or life?
and Dizzy Izzy,Yeshiva boys are locked up in yeshivas? are you out of your mind? all the thousands( K” ain hora) who learn torah are gulible and naive, because they dont know how drug dealers,and(mules) smugglers operate?
do you really think, that these three boys would risk their lives to smuggle drugs into Japan, for a free airline ticket?
what are you smoking? Time cigarettes?
Thank you is just two tiny words towards appreciation for the unwaivering committed Askunim so involved. Including too, are all those that have and continue to contribute to this extreme vital and holy Pidyun Shvuyim cause.. Mi K’Amchu Yisroel!
Maybe some other Borcor’s will learn an easy life lesson. Don’t take packages from other people into a foreign country.
Now let the Rosh HaYeshiva’s teach moral lessons on this subject.
How about you all stop yapping like a group of children! I hope we all agree on one point , that his release was an excellent occurrence ! May we all live in peace and enjoy life! Calm!!!!