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.
Israel offers to move spy from jail
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