AN ISRAELI nuclear scientist jailed for 17 years for exposing Tel Aviv's unlawful nuclear weapons programme should be released, the European Commission has ruled following an intervention by Green MEP Jean Lambert.
London MEP Mrs Lambert wrote to the European Commission in March to highlight the continued detention of Mordechai Vanunu.
Mordechai Vanunu, who has spent more than 11 years in solitary confinement following his extra-judicial abduction by the Israeli authorities in 1986, was refused parole in February on the grounds that further revelations could still cause 'grave damage' to the Israeli government.
But EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, responding to an appeal by London MEP Mrs Lambert, said: "In terms of the original purpose of [his detention] there are no longer grounds for Mr Vanunu to be kept in isolation. The Commission has followed Mr Vanunu's case particularly closely and would welcome his early release."
Mrs Lambert added: "Given that more recent disclosures about Israel's nuclear programme have prompted no official complaint and in the context of current worldwide concern about non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Vanunu should be released immediately.
"I welcome the Commission's commitment to closely monitor Mr Vanunu's case and hope the Israeli Government will take heed of its concern and act accordingly."
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