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Ukrainian woman freed in Israeli prisoner swap

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Summary of story from Radio Free Europe, October 18, 2011

Irena Sarahna is among hundreds of prisoners released by Israel today in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

The Ukrainian woman was jailed for her involvement in a suicide bombing in Israel in May 2002.

The Israeli authorities said she and her husband took the bomber to the town where he blew himself up at a cafe, killing two other people and injuring scores more.

Israel has published the names of 477 prisoners, including 27 women, who are to be released in the first phase of the deal with Hamas.

A further 550 prisoners are to be released after Gilad Shalit, who was seized by Palestinian militants in 2006, at the age of 19, returns home.

Many of those to be freed are Palestinians who were jailed for plotting suicide bombings or shooting attacks.

In Jerusalem, Israeli President Shimon Peres, who has to sign the pardons before the exchange, said the deal “has led to a unique test in our history, which is ‘saving one soul in Israel is like saving the soul of a people’.”

Many Israelis, however, oppose the deal with Hamas, saying it dishonors the victims of attacks and will lead to more kidnappings and violence.

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