Prisoner release

Gaza flotilla activists deported from Israel after week-long detention

The two activists, who have been on hunger strike since their detention, were handed over to the immigration authority, which deported them.

Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026.
Kim Aris, the son of Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, delivers a speech during a protest rally organized by Myanmar people residing in Japan outside Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo, Japan, December 14, 2025.

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty

A drone view shows people gathering at Nasser hospital as they welcome freed Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025.

Terrorist released in Schalit, Oct. 7 hostage deals to give Hungary, Spain talks

Regla Yolanda Gonzalez poses for a photograph following her son's release from prison, part of a deal brokered by the Vatican that saw the Biden administration loosen sanctions on Cuba, in Havana, Cuba January 21, 2025.

Cuba begins releasing prisoners under scrutiny of rights groups, US government


Swiss diplomat joins Germany, Egypt on Hamas-Israel prisoner swap talks

'It seems that there is now a real possibility for a deal between Hamas and Israel for the release of all the prisoners of war and those missing in action'

Israelis Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed being held by Hamas in Gaza

Goldin, Shaul families told gov't negotiating prisoner exchange with Hamas

'To miss the opportunity now, would be a national irresponsibility'

Leah Goldin, mother of Hadar, speaks at a press conference, August 5, 2018

Iran extends prisoner furloughs, closure of holy sites amid coronavirus

Iran's reported temporary release of 100,000 prisoners since February - including prisoners of conscience and dual and foreign nationals - was welcomed by the United Nations on Friday as a good step.

Members of firefighters wear protective face masks, amid fear of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as they disinfect the streets, ahead of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, March 20, in Tehran, Iran March 18, 2020.

Hamas ready to release information on Israeli prisoners - report

A German mediator who was involved in the release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011 is participating in the current talks.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh next to his destroyed office (REUTERS/Handout)

Israel to release hundreds of prisoners to curb coronavirus spread

Prisoners who are found eligible under the new regulations will go on a 30-day "vacation," under house arrest conditions, at the end of which they will officially be released from prison.

INMATES WALK through the Hermon Prison in northern Israel last week.

Iran temporarily frees 85,000 prisoners amid coronavirus crisis

On March 10, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran said he had asked Tehran to free all political prisoners temporarily from its overcrowded and disease-ridden jails.

A member of Iranian Border Guards wears a protective face mask, following an outbreak of the new coronavirus, inside the Shalamcha Border Crossing, after Iraq shut a border crossing to travellers between Iraq and Iran, Iraq March 8, 2020

Macron to Rouhani: Imprisonment of French nationals 'intolerable'

Paris reported the arrest of Marchal, a senior researcher at Science-Po university, in mid-October, while his Franco-Iranian colleague Adelkhah has been in prison in Iran since June.

FILE PHOTO: A combination of file photos showing French President Emmanuel Macron attending a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 23, 2017, and Iran President Hassan Rouhani looking on at the Campidoglio palace in Rome, Italy, January 25, 2016

Iran: We are ready for full prisoner swap, 'ball is in the US’ court'

"After getting our hostage back this week, fully ready for comprehensive prisoner exchange," Zarif said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks at "Common Security in the Islamic World" forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia August 29, 2019

Iran hostage taking appears to work as Western states keep silent

Xiyue Wang was greeted by the US ambassador having been held for three years by Iran, who accused him of being connected to foreign governments, despite an absence of evidence.

Iranian pro-government protesters burn an U.S. flag as they attend a demonstration in Tehran, Iran

Set a prisoner policy

It's a steep price to pay but one that the Israeli government felt was worth it to save the life of a single soldier.

A boy playing the role of a prisoner has his hands tied during a rally marking Palestinian Prisoners' Day April 17, 2019.