The trial of Mordechai Vanunu, scheduled to open in Jerusalem district court this week, was postponed Thursday because of a dispute between the defendant and his lawyer. No new date was announced and legal observers doubt the proceedings will begin until late next month.
Vanunu, a former technician at the Dimona nuclear facility, is accused of selling secret material about Israel’s alleged nuclear weapons capabilities to a British newspaper. He and his family fired defense attorney Amnon Zichroni over differences in defense strategy.
Zichroni prepared a purely legal defense. Vanunu demands that his trial be made into a public forum against Israel’s nuclear research and development programs. The court has not officially accepted Zichroni’s dismissal. If a new lawyer is named he will need time to familiarize himself with the case.
The court also must decide on Vanunu’s request that certain evidence considered classified by the prosecution be made public. The trial will be conducted in camera because of the sensitive nature of the evidence.
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