Gary Fitleberg, December 26, 2004

In Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu was arrested en route to Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem.

Vanunu, a Christian convert who ended an 18-year prison term from treason in April, was released without charges Saturday, police said. He was caught at a military checkpoint outside the town of Bethlehem on Friday, and arrested for violating probationary restrictions on his movements.

Vanunu, who was jailed for describing his work at the Dimona atomic reactor with a British newspaper in 1986, denies Justice Ministry charges that he has more state secrets to spill. According to media reports, he had a Santa Claus cap with him at the time of his arrest and said he wanted to attend Christmas celebrations in the town of Jesusī birth.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg