New jail time for Vanunu

Israeli nuclear whisteblower Mordechai Vanunu was sent back to jail for unauthorized contacts with foreigners. Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Monday gave Vanunu a six-month prison term, with another six months suspended, after he was convicted of defying a government order limiting his contacts with foreigners and international media. Vanunu, a former technician at the Dimona nuclear reactor, gave a tell-all interview to a British newspaper in 1986 and was jailed for treason. He finished his 18-year prison term in 2003 but his movements were restrained by Israeli authorities worried he might share additional state secrets. Vanunu, a 52-year-old convert to Christianity who has questioned the Jewish state’s right to exist, denies that charge. Vanunu’s lawyer said after Monday’s ruling that his client has until Sept. 9 to consider an appeal.