Nuclear whistleblower freed after 18 years

A DEFIANT Mordechai Vanunu walked out of prison yesterday after serving 18 years for spilling Israel's nuclear secrets.

The former nuclear technician said he was proud of his actions, but complained of cruel treatment.

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 abuse.