Duncan Campbell
The Guardian
April 17, 2004
Protests were lodged yesterday against the restrictions that are to be imposed
on the Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, who is due to be released
from prison next week.
Vanunu, who will have served 18 years for revealing details of Israel's nuclear
arsenal, is to be forbidden to have contact with foreigners either in person
or by correspondence. He will not be allowed to leave Israel or move from his
home town without reporting to police.
"
This is ludicrous and in breach of international law," said the Labour
MP Jeremy Corbyn, who is to travel to Israel next week as one of around 90
supporters who plan to welcome Vanunu on his release from Shekma prison in
Ashkelon.
Mr Corbyn said at a press conference in London that one of the reasons for
going to Israel was to demonstrate the international concern about Vanunu.
Around 40 British supporters, 30 Americans and others from Japan, Poland, Italy
and elsewhere in Europe are due to be outside the prison for his release on
Wednesday.
The restrictions put on Vanunu are based on clauses 108 and 109 of the state
of emergency statute passed by the British mandate in 1945. Vanunu will be
allowed to choose where he lives, but will not be able to leave that town or
city without police permission. He will not be allowed to go near foreign embassies,
borders, ports or airports.
He will also be barred from talking about his work as a technician at the Dimona
nuclear plant, or the circumstances in which he was kidnapped by the Israeli
security services in Italy in 1986.
The restrictions are due to last for six months, after which they can be renewed.
If he is found to be in breach of the restrictions, he could face another trial.
David Polden, of the Campaign to Free Vanunu, said that it was unclear whether
Vanunu would be able to talk to his adoptive parents, the American peace campaigners
Nick and Mary Eoloff. It was also unclear whether he would be able to answer
journalists' questions, even if they are directed to him via a third party.
Susannah York, the actor, who has corresponded with Vanunu, said that he was
anxious for a non-confrontational exit from prison.
"
I want to look forward, not back," he had written to her in a letter 10
days ago.