IPS to allow Yigal Amir out of solitary

PM Yitzhak Rabin's assassin to join other inmates after 16 years in solitary confinement

Raanan Ben-Zur|Published: 07.04.12 , 12:23

Regaining rights? Yigal Amir, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, will be allowed out of solitary confinement after 16 years of in prison.

The Israel Prison Service said Wednesday that Amir will continue to serve his sentence in a cell with other prisoners, and will be allowed to watch television, make frequent phone calls and go out to the prison courtyard for two hours a day.

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Since his incarceration, Amir's case has been reviewed every six months by a Prison Service committee. Based on recommendation made by the Shin Bet, the committee ruled that he remain separated from other prisoners and be kept in solitary confinement. The ruling was based on the IPS' concern that Amir might be killed by other prisoners over his ideological beliefs.

Several months ago, the Petah Tikva District Court decided to allow Amir to meet with another prisoner three times a week for prayer. The IPS decided to move after a court order instructed they find ways of easing his confinement.

The Prison Service said that although Amir will be allowed into the general population of the prison, special precaution will be taken in regards to both him and the other prisoners in his cellblock.

Earlier this year, Amir’s brother Hagai, who was convicted of being an accessory to Rabin's assassination, was released from prison after 16 years.

Upon leaving the prison gates, Amir made a 'V' sign with his hand, and told reporters: "I am proud of what I did. I have no regrets."