By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/convicted-spy-jonathan-pollard-freed-prison-soon Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard could be freed from prison soon Politics Jul 24, 2015 5:33 PM EDT WASHINGTON — Convicted American spy Jonathan Pollard could be released from federal prison within months. Pollard becomes eligible for parole in November, on the 30th anniversary of his arrest on charges of selling classified information to Israel. U.S. officials say they’re unlikely to oppose his parole. His attorney, Eliot Lauer, told The Associated Press on Friday that he hoped his client would be released, but said he had received no commitment from the Obama administration. Supporters of Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, argue that he was punished excessively and note that he spied for an ally. The U.S. has previously dangled his release, including during Israel-Palestinian talks last year. His release now could be seen as a concession to Israel, which strongly opposed the just-concluded U.S. nuclear deal with Iran. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Convicted American spy Jonathan Pollard could be released from federal prison within months. Pollard becomes eligible for parole in November, on the 30th anniversary of his arrest on charges of selling classified information to Israel. U.S. officials say they’re unlikely to oppose his parole. His attorney, Eliot Lauer, told The Associated Press on Friday that he hoped his client would be released, but said he had received no commitment from the Obama administration. Supporters of Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, argue that he was punished excessively and note that he spied for an ally. The U.S. has previously dangled his release, including during Israel-Palestinian talks last year. His release now could be seen as a concession to Israel, which strongly opposed the just-concluded U.S. nuclear deal with Iran. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now