Israel's Supreme Court confirms security restrictions on Vanunu
In an interview with an Arab newspaper Vanunu says that the Dimona nuclear reactor could cause "a new Chernobyl".
Jerusalem (AsiaNews/ Agencies) - Israel's Supreme Court upheld on Monday security restrictions placed on nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, limiting his movements and the things he is allowed to say.
Vanunu completed an 18-year prison term on April 21st , but Israel's security establishment decided the man who revealed Israel's nuclear secrets would not be allowed to leave the country or speak to the foreign media, saying he still has state secrets to reveal. Vanunu's movements around seaports and airports have also been restricted.
The Supreme Court ruled the restrictions were necessary because Vanunu could reveal more state secrets.
"We are saying always that Israel is not a real democracy and today we are seeing it inside the Supreme Court," Vanunu told reporters after the ruling. Vanunu spoke outside the courtroom to a swarm of journalists from Israel and abroad. It's not clear if that in itself violated the restrictions, which prohibit Vanunu from initiating contact with foreigners. A lawyer for the state prosecutor's office, Shai Nitzan, said the state was considering action against Vanunu for violating several of the restrictions, including interviews he granted to foreign media.
In an interview published yesterday July 25th with the London-based Arabic-language newspaper Al Hayat, Mordechai Vanunu said the Dimona nuclear reactor endangers the lives of millions throughout the Middle East. A strong earthquake in the region may crack the reactor, causing radioactive leakage that would result in the death of millions, causing "a new Chernobyl".
Vanunu also told the paper that the Jordanian government should prepare for possible leaks from the reactor, just as Israel has plans to distribute iodine anti-radiation pills to residents living close to the nuclear reactor in Dimona. He said that Jordanians living close to the border with Israel should be examined for possible nuclear radiation, explaining that the Hashemite Kingdom is particularly at risk from the reactor as it operates mainly when "the wind blows toward Jordan."
Vanunu has said many times he wants to live abroad and insists he has no more state secrets to reveal. In the meantime he would continue to live in St. George's Cathedral, a church not far from Jerusalem's Old City, explaining that he feels more comfortable among Palestinians and foreigners
Many Israelis despise the Moroccan-born Israeli for a 1986 interview with London's Sunday Times that included pictures and details of Israel's nuclear reactor in the desert town of Dimona. Vanuna had worked there as a technician. Israel has a policy of "ambiguity" regarding its nuclear arsenal, refusing to confirm or deny its capabilities. But evidence Israel has nuclear arms is overwhelming, much of it based on the pictures and information leaked by Vanunu. Experts say Israel may have as many as 300 warheads as well as the capability of building more quickly.
Vanunu, who is now a prominent figure in the international anti-nuclear weapons movement, also criticized a recent visit to Israel by Mohamed ElBaradei, the UN director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "I am very disappointed by Mr. Baradei because I expected him to go and inspect the Dimona reactor," Vanunu said. "The job of Mr. Baradei is to go and see if what I said ... if it's true.
El Baradei visited Israel in early July to convince Israel in joining a plan for a nuclear-free Middle East.
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26/02/2021 11:41
