Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, April 2006, page 67
Human Rights
Vanunu Meets President Carter
MORDECHAI Vanunu’s trial in Jerusalem’s lower court, originally scheduled for Jan. 15, was postponed until Jan. 25, when the international press would be focused on Palestinian elections. Israel’s nuclear whistleblower was accompanied by his brother Meir, his lawyer Avigdor Feldman, and more than a dozen other supporters from Israel and overseas. Although Vanunu served his entire 18-year prison sentence, he is forbidden from speaking to the foreign media or leaving East Jerusalem (see January/February 2006 Washington Report, p. 20).
Vanunu was charged with giving interviews to foreign journalists 21 times, conducting chat room conversations with other foreigners, and attempting to travel to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, 2004.
After a long day in court, Vanunu dined with friends at the American Colony Hotel. There he ran into President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who were observing the elections. After chatting for a few minutes, Carter and his wife said they will be very happy to see Vanunu in the United States. “It was good to meet a man of peace in this crazy region, especially after that trial!” Vanunu commented to his friends.
The next court session was held on Feb. 9. The judge heard more arguments on the request that charges be dismissed Feb. 22. A ruling has been postponed until May 1 in order for each side to complete their arguments. Additional information is available on Vanunu’s Web site, <www.serve.com/vanunu/>. Anyone who could provide Vanunu’s lawyers with testimony on freedom of expression is invited to e-mail Vanunu vmjc1954@gmail.com.
To send letters or defense fund contributions write: Vanunu Mordechai., St. George Cathedral, 20 Nablus Road, East Jerusalem, Israel.
—Delinda C. Hanley
