Nova survivor sentenced to prison, get-refuser released - and the surge in pardon requests

The Ministry of Justice's Pardon Department report for 2025 reveals a roughly 30% increase in pardon requests since October 7. Among the exceptional cases: a survivor of the Nova massacre sentenced to prison, a get-refuser released in exchange for a get, and debt relief following a family tragedy.

The Ministry of Justice's Pardon Department report for 2025 reveals a roughly 30% increase in pardon requests since October 7. During the year, 1,564 requests were opened, nearly half of them for expungement of criminal records. Among the exceptional cases: a young man who survived the Nova massacre and was sentenced to 20 months in prison for drug possession, with the department recommending commuting his sentence to community service due to concerns about harming his rehabilitation in light of post-trauma. In another case, a son who remained the sole heir after his father died and a family member was murdered on October 7, requested relief from debts left by the father, and the department recommended canceling the remaining fines. Another unusual case involved a get-refuser who served civil imprisonment and was later sentenced to 18 months in prison, agreeing to give a get in exchange for a pardon. The department formulated an exceptional outline in coordination with the Minister of Justice and the President of the State, and the husband was released after giving the get. The report also presents cases of expungement of criminal records for members of the Ethiopian community and relief from fines for women in prostitution.