A court in Peru ordered Tuesday the release of Hodaya Monsonego, an Israeli woman who has been held in the country for two years over allegations of attempted drug smuggling, Israel's Foreign Ministry announced this week.
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Monsonego, a 25-year-old with special needs, was arrested at a local airport in May 2019 after authorities discovered more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of cocaine in her bag. Following a three-month-long legal proceeding, she was held at a women's prison for 279 days. In May 2020, she was released to house arrest in Lima.
Monsonego's family claimed that she was taken advantage of by a friend she was traveling with because of her disability. They launched a social media campaign in Israel to raise awareness of her situation.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid was personally involved in efforts to return Monsonego home.
Upon hearing of her release, Lapid said: "In my first week in office, I appointed a special team to handle Hodaya's release and worked closely with them. We will not celebrate until we see her land in the country, although the news is cause for joy.
"I consider helping young people with special needs to be my life's mission," said Lapid, who has a daughter with special needs.
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