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US set to free Israel spy Jonathan Pollard | US set to free Israel spy Jonathan Pollard |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Jonathan Pollard, an American convicted of spying for Israel, is set to be freed on parole from a US prison. | |
The former US Navy intelligence officer, now 61, was caught selling classified documents in 1985 and given a life sentence two years later. | The former US Navy intelligence officer, now 61, was caught selling classified documents in 1985 and given a life sentence two years later. |
Campaigners and successive Israeli governments have tried to secure Pollard's early release. | |
The case has been one of the most contentious issues between the two countries for the past 30 years. | |
Pollard has been serving his sentence at a prison in North Carolina. His parole terms bar him from leaving the US without permission for five years. | Pollard has been serving his sentence at a prison in North Carolina. His parole terms bar him from leaving the US without permission for five years. |
He has said he wants to move to Israel to be reunited with his second wife. | He has said he wants to move to Israel to be reunited with his second wife. |
Last year it was reported that the US was considering freeing Pollard in exchange for concessions from Israel to the Palestinians amid faltering peace talks. | |
Pollard's lawyers said earlier this year that they had found employment and accommodation for their client in the New York area, but gave no further details. | Pollard's lawyers said earlier this year that they had found employment and accommodation for their client in the New York area, but gave no further details. |
At the time of his arrest, Pollard said he gave classified documents to Israel, a key US ally, because Washington was not passing on important information. | |
However, some intelligence officials have said that he also offered information to other countries. | However, some intelligence officials have said that he also offered information to other countries. |
Israel initially denied Pollard had spied for them. However, in 1996, Israel made Pollard a citizen and two years later officials admitted he was their agent. | Israel initially denied Pollard had spied for them. However, in 1996, Israel made Pollard a citizen and two years later officials admitted he was their agent. |