For telling the world that Israel was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Vanunu spent 18 years in prison – 12 of these in solitary confinement. Vanunu was released from prison in April 2004, but is still not free. His freedom of speech, movement and association are all severely restricted in clear contravention of his human rights. He is denied a passport, and not even allowed to leave East Jerusalem without permission. He is forbidden to communicate with foreigners or discuss Israel’s nuclear weapons, and suffers continuing harassment by the Israeli authorities. 21 years’ detention is 21 years too long.

To protest at Mordechai’s continuing persecution we are organising the Vanunu Freedom Ride (VFR) – a bicycle ride starting at Faslane, the UK's nuclear weapons base near Glasgow on 7th April and ending at the Israeli Embassy in London on 21st April. The Ride will demand that Mordechai be set free at last, that his vision of a nuclear-free Middle East be fulfilled and an end be put to all nuclear weapons worldwide. We also demand freedom for Palestine. We are planning to stop at various towns and cities on the way where we will hold events to raise awareness of Vanunu’s situation and Israel’s nuclear weapons – still secret and not subject to international inspection.

Last year the VFR went from Faslane to London down through Manchester and Birmingham. This year the 2nd VFR will travel down from Faslane through eastern England, going through Glasgow, Edinburgh, Berwick, Newcastle, Durham, Menwith Hill Spy Station, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Peterborough, Lakenheath USAF base, Cambridge and Hertford to London. You or any cyclists in your group are welcome to join us for as short or as long a distance as you wish – anything from a couple of miles, a couple of hours, a couple of days to the whole trip! People who do not wish to cycle can support us by organising practical help and publicity for the cyclists. We also welcome any donations and creative ideas for publicity-raising events or activities.

Please fill in and return the slip if you wish to join the ride or support us, or want further information

Petition to International Atomic Energy Agency - Investigate Israeli Nuclear Capacity Now!!! Please read and sign the petition and circulate widely.
Read the ride blog | Open letter to Tony Blair | Press releases | Picture gallery | Guardian story 21 April 2006 | Unision story 21 April 2006 |