BBC News Online: World: Middle East

Vanunu appeals for release

Mr Vanunu was moved out of solitary confinement in March

The convicted Israeli nuclear spy, Mordechai Vanunu, has appeared before a parole board after having served two-thirds of his 18-year prison sentence.

Vanunu was convicted of treason after supplying photographs of Israel's secret nuclear weapons plant to the London Sunday Times in 1986.

He was held in solitary confinement until last month.

His lawyer, Avigdor Feldman, said his client would tell the parole board that he acted according to his conscience.

Mr Feldman said it was unlikely that Vanunu would be freed.

The Israeli Justice Ministry argues that he still poses a danger to Israel's security, and is opposed to his release.