Israel charges nuclear whistleblower

ISRAEL yesterday charged the nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu with violating the terms of his release from prison by speaking to foreign reporters and trying to visit the West Bank.

Mr Vanunu, who was not taken into custody, could be jailed for up to two years if convicted, the justice ministry said.

The charge sheet specifies 21 counts of violating a legal order and one count of attempting to do so. Almost all of the alleged violations refer to media interviews Mr Vanunu gave, including to the BBC and Sky News.

The charges were issued in a Jerusalem court and served to Mr Vanunu at the St George’s Cathedral compound in an Arab section of east Jerusalem where he has lived since he was freed last year.

Mr Vanunu spent 18 years in prison for revealing secrets about Israel’s nuclear arsenal to the Sunday Times. More than 12 of those years were in solitary confinement.

Yesterday, Mr Vanunu played down the importance of the indictment.

"They want a trial but my lawyers are working on it. I’m not worried," he said. "They can charge me 50 times if they want. I will continue speaking to the press."

Israeli authorities have said they fear Mr Vanunu may have more nuclear secrets to share with the world. "I have not been charged with harming national security but with not respecting the restrictions on me," Mr Vanunu said after the indictment was brought.

"The police are just following procedure ... I am still hopeful they will end my restrictions."

Mr Vanunu has remained under constant surveillance by Israeli security services. The restrictions are due to expire next month.