Shin Bet arrests U.K. journalist who interviewed Vanunu

A gag order was placed on all details pertaining to the investigation.

Hounam, who interviewed Vanunu on Israel's nuclear program some 20 years ago for the Sunday Times, was scheduled to meet in Ramat Gan with Yael Lotan, an activist in a committee that worked towards Vanunu's release and against Israel's nuclear program. When he failed to arrive at the meeting, Lotan found out that Hounam was under arrest.

It was not clear whether Hounam was under full arrest or whether he was held for questioning. The reason for his detention was also unclear.

A BBC spokeswoman in London said the broadcaster was "very concerned" about Hounam's arrest.

The spokeswoman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to answer any questions about Hounam, including where he was arrested and whether he had met with Vanunu since his release.

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.

Hounam was a member of the original Sunday Times team that interviewed Vanunu and then published his story in 1986. He left the paper several years ago and became a freelance reporter and also published books and produced films.

Unlike the other members of the team, Hounam stayed in touch with Vanunu and was active in the public struggle for his release.

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.

He has also been in close contact with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), which is working to file a petition against the restrictions imposed on Vanunu by the defense establishment since his release. Among others, Hounam was banned from meeting Vanunu, who has been living in a church in East Jerusalem since his release.

Hounam told Haaretz last week that he intended to return to Britain soon.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/432000.html