Vanunu to face numerous restrictions after prison release

By Yossi Melman
Ha'aretz, April 14, 2004

Shin Bet security service officials will visit Mordechai Vanunu at his cell in Ashkelon's Shekma Prison this week to brief the former nuclear plant technician about restrictions he will face after his release from jail next Wednesday.

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.

Vanunu will be informed that he will not have passport privileges, and therefore, cannot leave the country.

Security officials will tell Vanunu that 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.

Vanunu will be given a few days to appeal the restrictions.

After having cut off relations several months ago with his long-time attorney, Avigdor Feldman, Vanunu has asked the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) to represent his legal interests. Vanunu recently informed relatives who are allowed to visit him in prison that he does not want ACRI officials to handle his affairs until he is released from prison.