Vanunu elected university rector

international | anti-war / imperialism | other press Thursday December 16, 2004 11:47 by pat c

A former technician who was jailed for 18 years for leaking Israel's nuclear secrets has been elected rector of Glasgow University. Mordechai Vanunu, 50, will hold the post for three years.

Students said they voted for him to show their support for human rights and opposition to nuclear weapons. Previous incumbents include Winnie Mandela, Benjamin Disraeli and TV presenter Johnny Ball. The current rector is comedian Greg Hemphill.

Mr Vanunu said: "I was very happy, glad and surprised that they wanted to give me this job. I will do all that I can to serve the students and the people of Scotland too. At the moment I cannot leave the country but I believe this vote by the students will give a push to the Israeli government to make a good decision and let me come to the students in Scotland."

The principal of Glasgow University, Sir Muir Russell, said: "The election of Mr Vanunu demonstrates the diverse and international concerns of Glasgow students. "

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