After 19 months - Ostreicher released from prison

La Paz, Bolivia: After 19 months in jail and 30 court hearings, Jacob Ostreicher, a Brooklyn orthodox businessman was released tonight (Tuesday) to house arrest on bail.

According to local media reports, Ostreicher was accompanied by his wife and his lawyers to a discussion held in court this morning in Santa Cruz.

The orthodox businessman suspected of alleged ties with drug traffickers and money laundering offenses, arrived at the court wearing a special suit and hat that protected him from shooting, due to fear that criminal sources will want to harm his life.

When the judge announced the verdict regarding the release of Ostreicher the mood in the courtroom changed drastically and joy broke all boundaries.

Ostreicher hugged his family and lawyers following the announcement of the release to house arrest, which will be in Santa Cruz.

Previously, a similar request was denied, and the court ruled Ostreicher cannot be released to house arrest because his family does not live in Bolivia.

This time it was decided to release him to house arrest in the country on bail of 14.5 thousand dollars. Associates hope that the change in the court's approach heralds a credit to Ostreicher.

Ostreicher's medical condition deteriorated recently. The prison, one of the most dangerous in the world, was forced to admit him at the local hospital, where heavy security from the security unit of the President of Bolivia was attached to him.


The change in the legal process of Ostreicher took place last month when authorities revealed that the case involved 11 government officials, including senior cabinet minister who was arrested – on suspicion of selling Ostreicher's rice, although the rice was banned - by the authorities.

The senior minister is accused of earning 9900 dollars from the sale. The prosecutor added that more arrests will be made by officials in the case.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!