Naama Asfari, an Israeli woman detained in Russia since 2019, is reported to be in critical condition, according to her family and advocacy groups. The 26-year-old was arrested at a Moscow airport for carrying 9.5 grams of cannabis and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. Her health has deteriorated significantly, with reports of severe weight loss and medical complications.
An international campaign has been launched to secure her release on humanitarian grounds. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have repeatedly raised her case with Russian authorities. The U.S. State Department has also expressed concern, urging Russia to provide adequate medical care.
As of July 2026, no official statement from Russian authorities has been released regarding her condition. The Asfari family continues to plead for her immediate return to Israel for medical treatment.
