Minister Yuval Steinitz told public radio on Tuesday that a formal appeal will be sent on behalf of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to Russian President Vladimir Putin to free Naama Issachar, who has been sentenced by Russia to more than seven years in prison for marijuan possession.
Putin said on Monday that he was considering a pardon as President Reuven Rivlin sent a letter seeking Issachar's release. Steinitz said, "We all hope for the best and the quick return to her home and family. The prime minister is doing what can be done."