An Israeli citizen has been held for weeks in the African island nation of Madagascar after being caught attempting to smuggle tortoises out of the country.
The 39-year-old man from Beitar Illit, south of Jerusalem, was arrested a month-and-a-half ago at the airport after 59 rare tortoises were found in his possession. It is illegal to take the animals and according to Ynet, the prosecution wants him sentenced to 10 years in prison with a fine of $100,000. The trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 11.
