Israel Matzav

Former Senate Intelligence Committee chairman says to free Pollard

Former Senate Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Dennis DeConcini (D-Az) has joined a chorus of past and present American officials calling for the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard.

In a phone interview with The Jerusalem Post, the Arizona Democrat said he had closely examined Pollard’s case when he headed the committee from 1993 to 1994 and concluded that he had been treated fairly by the judicial system. The US Justice Department and the CIA submitted documents to him for the investigation.

But he said he had later changed his tune and written three presidents, including Obama in August, urging them to pardon Pollard.

“[Pollard’s] punishment was more than others were given [for the same and worse offenses],” he said. “It’s a question of what is just and fair, and in my opinion, justice has been served already. He is guilty, but it’s time for this to be resolved in a better way.”

DeConcini represented Arizona in the Senate from 1977 until 1995 and was one of the top leaders of the Democratic Party. He wrote Obama that Pollard was a good prisoner and had adequately paid for his wrongdoing.

“With my knowledge of the Pollard case, it is clear to me that he no longer poses any security threat with the information he obtained 24 years ago,” DeConcini wrote. “I believe that deterrence has been achieved and the requisite level of remorse has been expressed.”

So why isn't the Netanyahu government clamoring for Pollard's release? Hmmm.

Labels: Barack Obama, Binyamin Netanyahu, Dennis DeConcini, Jonathan Pollard

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:15 PM