Ovadia Yosef asks Peres to pardon Jewish 'security' prisoners

Shas spiritual mentor Rabbi Ovadia Yosef yesterday asked President Shimon Peres to pardon Jewish "security" prisoners on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Israel's establishment.

At Peres' traditional visit to Ovadia's home in Jerusalem during Passover, the rabbi mentioned several names, including Ami Popper, who is serving seven life sentences for murdering seven Palestinians in 1990.

Peres refrained from making any promises and said that the pardon depends on legal considerations.

Ovadia thanked God for giving him the wisdom to choose Peres for president.