Peter Hounam, the British journalist who has been covering the Mordechai Vanunu issue for years and is considered to be one of the closest people to the nuclear-whistle blower, was arrested Wednesday evening by Israel's Shin Bet security service.
Hounam interviewed Vanunu on Israel's nuclear program some 20 years ago for the Sunday Times. The reason for his arrest was also unclear.
Hounam arrived in Israel more than a month ago, ahead of Vanunu's release. Vanunu was freed on April 21, after spending 18 years in jail for espionage and treason, Haaretz reported.
Hounam visited Israel frequently over the past few months, and has been staying in a hotel in East Jerusalem for the past 6 weeks. During his stay, he has reported to the Sunday Times on Vanunu's release and has been preparing a documentary on the affair for the BBC. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
