Vanunu in hot water again
2005-03-17 18:03
Jerusalem - Nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu was indicted by an Israeli court on Thursday for repeatedly violating the terms of his release from prison one year ago, the justice ministry said.
Vanunu was accused before a Jerusalem court of breaching on 21 occasions the severe restrictions placed on his movement after serving an 18-year sentence for lifting the lid on the inner workings of the Dimona nuclear plant, it said.
After his release in April 2004, the 50-year-old was banned from leaving Israel or having contacts with foreigners, particularly journalists, without prior authorisation.
In December, he was arrested by Israeli police as he tried to enter the West Bank town of Bethlehem to attend Christmas Eve midnight mass.
He was required to post bail of 50 000 shekels ($R76 750) and ordered to remain at his residence at St George's Anglican cathedral in east Jerusalem where he has been living since his release.
Vanunu converted to Christianity shortly before he was arrested, fuelling accusations among Israelis that he is a traitor to the Jewish state.