Israel justifies Vanunu curbs as anti-nuke protesters mass

By: Ahmad Hammadi

TEL AVIV: The Israeli government justified wide restrictions it is to place on former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu when he is released from jail on Wednesday.

Vanunu spent nearly 18 years in prison for revealing details of Israel's nuclear arms program.

He had hoped to move abroad, but has been told he must not go near airports or ports or talk to foreigners without permission after his release. Israel insists he still poses a threat to national security.

“Mordechai Vanunu has revealed state secrets about the Dimona nuclear plant. He still possesses state secrets including some which he has not revealed,” the government said in a statement.

Vanunu's brother Meir said in a BBC interview the UK government had a duty to ensure his protection amid what he described as a “very hostile” media campaign against him.

Israel's Prisons Authority has announced that Vanunu will be freed from Ashkelon's Shikma prison at 1100 (0800 GMT) on Wednesday. Anti-nuclear protesters have been gathering in Israel to be at the prison gates for his release.

Israel said it could have imposed much tougher post-release restrictions on Vanunu - and the length of time the current regime will remain in place depends on his behavior.

He has been warned not to tell the media about his work at Dimona and to report to the police if anyone asks for an interview. He also may not reveal any classified information, even information that he had previously given to the Sunday Times and was published by the UK paper before his abduction 18 years ago.

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