JERUSALEM, Dec. 16 (JTA) — Israel’s security establishment has agreed to release a convicted spy from jail and place him under house arrest. Marcus Klingberg, a scientist convicted of spying for the former Soviet Union, has served 13 years of an 18-year sentence. Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair proposed that Klingberg be released from prison under certain conditions. The conditions include that he remain in his home, the telephone be disconnected and only a small number of people be allowed to contact him.
Klingberg also would be required to fund personally a private security guard, at an annual cost of some $100,000, who would be posted 24 hours a day outside his home.
Israel security officials agreed to the proposal.
But Klingberg’s attorney, Avigdor Feldman, described the offer as nothing more than a “cynical proposition.” Citing failing health, Klingberg has repeatedly and unsuccessfully petitioned the High Court of Justice to be allowed to spend the rest of his days at home with family.
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