Under Construction: A "Package of Restrictions" for Mordechai Vanunu After His Release

By Tova Tsimuki
Yediot Ahronot
February 1, 2004

Last weekend a meeting was held in the security establishment, at which a discussion was held about the legal measures to be taken upon the release of atom spy Mordechai Vanunu, in late April.

Vanunu is about to be freed, after completing the 20 year sentence that was he was given for selling Israel's nuclear secrets to the British newspaper, Sunday Times. However, since the danger has not yet passed, that upon his release he will continue to reveal information that he retains, the security establishment is seeking legal measures to restrict his movements and to prevent him from passing on the secrets. According to estimates, any measure that the State takes on this issue, will be presented to the High Court of Justice for study and approval.

The two main options are administrative detention or a "package of restrictions". As far as concerns administrative detention, which in any event must be renewed every six months - the security establishment believes, that it would be difficult to defend this measure before the High Court of Justice. On the other hand, the " package of restrictions" that is to be set up by the security and justice authorities will be easier to defend. Such a "package" will include, among other things, restrictions on Vanunu's movements, a prohibition on leaving the country and a prohibition on obtaining a passport, a prohibition on corresponding with foreign elements, a prohibition on giving interviews to the media and on publishing books and regular reporting at a police station.