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Administrative detention being considered for Vanunu
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent The defense establishment is considering ordering the administrative detention of Mordechai Vanunu, convicted of nuclear espionage, when he is released from prison in two months. Discussions on the matter were held Monday by the chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud), MK Danny Yatom (Likud), Yehiel Haruv, head of security in the Defense Ministry, as well as representatives of the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and the attorney general's office. In the discussions, held behind closed doors, defense officials listed a number of measures they were considering against Vanunu to prevent him from leaking secrets on the nuclear reactor in Dimona when he is released from prison. Vanunu served 18 years in prison after releasing information on Israel's nuclear status in an interview with the Sunday Times. Other steps under consideration include prohibiting Vanunu from leaving the country, confiscating his passport, cutting off his phone and internet access, and keeping him under surveillance. These steps are similar to those taken when Marcus Klingberg, also convicted of espionage, was released from prison. Attorney General Meni Mazuz will be asked to examine the legal aspects of steps to be taken, in order not to contravene the Basic Law on Human Dignity and Freedom. MKs Steinitz and Yatom expressed concern that Vanunu might expose significant secrets that might endanger the state, and supported the defense establishment's intention to limit his freedom.  |