Mordechai Vanunu to Be Released – But Not Free
April 21, 2004. If you can believe the word of the state of Israel, that is the day that Mordechai Vanunu will be released from prison for the crime of telling the world the truth about his government’s secret nuclear weapons program. The date is just five months short of his full 18-year sentence.
He will, however, not be free then. The former nuclear plant technician will face serious restrictions after his release from jail. The restrictions are based on clauses 108-109 of the State of Emergency statute passed in 1945 under the British Mandate. Under the regulations, Vanunu will be allowed to choose his town of residence, but will be forbidden to leave city limits unless he reports his intentions to the local police force. In addition, Vanunu will not be allowed to approach any border terminal, including Ben-Gurion International Airport, the country’s ports, or borders with the Palestinian Authority, as stipulated in a list of crossing points to be given to him by security officials. Also, Vanunu will not be allowed to be in contact with foreigners – whether in face-to-face meetings or by telephone, fax, or email – including foreign citizens residing in Israel. Vanunu also will not be allowed to approach foreign embassies and divulge details to anyone regarding the Dimona plant where he worked or the circumstances of his being kidnapped and transported to Israel. And he will not have passport privileges, and therefore, cannot leave the country.
These restrictions will be in effect for six months. During that time, his behavior will be reviewed: if he does not try to circumvent the prohibitions, the restrictions might be lifted. The officials will warn Vanunu that should he try to violate the restrictions, he could be placed on trial.
If the Israeli government doesn’t unconditionally release Mordechai Vanunu, The “US Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu” wants your help to apply maximum pressure and demand that they do so. Check out the website www.nonviolence.org/vanunu/ for details.
