The trial of Yoel Zev *ben* Mirel Risa Chava, the third of the three
bochurim at the center of the Japan smuggling saga, began today. Following
the final pre-trial hearing on *Erev Shabbos*, the opening session of the
trial got underway today in Japan. At the hearing, the defense and
prosecution discussed possible court dates to ensure that witnesses would be
available at those times.
The trial itself will take place during four days in July and then October.
All Japanese courthouses are closed from August 11 to August 31,
complicating matters a bit. The set dates for the trial are July 27, July
28, October 18 and October 19. October 20 has been added as an extra day in
case it is needed.
The presiding judge has stated that cancellations in his court schedule may
allow the trial dates to be moved up.
Yosef *ben* Itta Rivkah, the youngest of the three *bochurim**,* is now in
Eretz Yisroel serving the duration of his sentence in an Israeli jail.
The second of the *bochurim*, Yaakov Yosef , was sentenced to six years in
prison. It is hoped that following Yoel ’s trial, Yaakov Yosef will be
extradited and be able to serve a reduced sentence in an Israeli jail.
Counting the two years he has already spent in jail, as well as a reduction
for good behavior, Yaakov Yosef could spend anywhere from 36-48 months in
jail.
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