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Vanunu proud of his action

ASHKELON (ISRAEL), APRIL 21. A defiant Mordechai Vanunu walked out of prison today, after serving 18 years for spilling Israel's nuclear secrets, saying he was proud of his actions and complaining he was treated cruelly by his jailers.

Mr. Vanunu flashed victory signs and waved to hundreds of cheering supporters as he walked into the sun-splashed courtyard of Shikma Prison in the coastal town of Ashkelon. Dozens of counter-demonstrators booed and shouted epithets.

In the courtyard, Mr. Vanunu (50), held an impromptu news conference, his brother Meir by his side. Mr. Vanunu said he was given ``very cruel and barbaric treatment'' by Israel's security services. ``To all those who are calling me traitor, I am saying I am proud, I am proud and happy to do what I did,'' Mr. Vanunu said. He refused to answer questions in Hebrew because of restrictions Israel has imposed, including a ban on speaking to foreigners.

AP

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