After 3.5 months in detention in Poland: Haredi women who smuggled 100 kg of khat released on bail

A court in Krakow released on bail two Haredi women who were arrested 3.5 months ago on suspicion of smuggling 100 kg of khat. They will remain in Krakow until the end of proceedings. Their lawyer was surprised by the decision. If convicted, they face 3 to 23 years in prison.

A court in Krakow released on bail two Haredi women (ages 23 and 24) who were arrested about three and a half months ago on suspicion of smuggling 100 kilograms of khat. Each of them held 50 kilograms of the drug, which is illegal in Poland and the European Union, in her suitcase. They were arrested on June 19 upon arrival on a flight from Israel. Under the terms of their release, they cannot leave Krakow until the end of legal proceedings and must report for weekly police supervision. Their Polish lawyer, Wit Stajdler, said he was surprised by the court's decision to release them, as this is a serious crime in Poland. If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from 3 to 23 years. The article describes a broader phenomenon of recruiting young Haredi individuals to smuggle khat in exchange for a plane ticket and 5,000 shekels, while misleading them that the expected punishment is a small fine.