The brothers of Mordechai Vanunu are demanding an open trial for the former technician at the Dimona nuclear facility accused of selling State secrets to a British newspaper.
The proceedings are scheduled to begin next week in a closed court under conditions of strict secrecy. Meir and Asher Vanunu charged at a press conference in Jerusalem Wednesday that their brother has “already been tried, convicted and sentenced” by the public. They said “many people think he is worse than a Nazi war criminal.” The brothers expressed concern for his mental health.
Vanunu has been held in solitary confinement since he was brought to Israel last September 30, reportedly against his will. Three months ago he was deprived of all privileges by the prison authorities for flashing a message to the media, while being driven to court, that he had been kidnapped in Rome by Israeli agents.
Vanunu is accused of supplying the Sunday Times of London with information about Israel’s alleged nuclear weapons capability. He had been living in Australia, where he converted to the Christian faith. Leftwing activists here have joined his brothers in demanding an open trial. “Otherwise we will have a star chamber proceeding,” one of Vanunu’s supporters said.
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