Dozens of anti-nuclear campaigners rallied outside Mordechai Vanunu’s prison today, a day ahead of his release, praising the former nuclear technician as a hero for revealing Israel’s nuclear secrets 18 years ago.

Mordechai Vanunu betrayed his country by spilling its nuclear secrets and restrictions imposed on him upon his release from prison are justified, Shimon Peres, the founder of Israel’s nuclear programme, said today.