On the final leg of their journey from the Faslane nuclear base, the Vanunu
Freedom Riders arrived in Hackney on Saturday (21st April) and were welcomed
by London's Green MEP Jean Lambert and other representatives from the local
community.
After 18 years in prison, including 12 years in solitary confinement for telling the world that Israel was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Mordechai Vanunu was released in 2004, yet he continues to be subjected to persecution that clearly contravenes his human rights.
Jean Lambert MEP, who has been awarded for her work on justice and human rights, gave her support to the freedom ride and joined with them in their call for total freedom for Vanunu and a nuclear free Middle East.
As a Green MEP and long standing CND supporter, Jean commented; "The treatment Mordechai Vanunu has received is completely unacceptable. Human rights are universal and indivisible and it is vital that these are upheld throughout the world.
"Vanunu has been denied real freedom for far too long. His actions
to reveal Israel's nuclear weapons should be praised. The continuing campaign
against nuclear weapons needs bravery such as this if we are to fully succeed
in ensuring we have a safe, nuclear free future.
"I now hope the Israeli Embassy listens to our demands and takes action
to secure absolute freedom for Mordechai Vanunu."
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Morwenna Holland, Media Officer
tel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812
email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk
www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and
Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament
for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is
one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives
in the European Parliament.