Mordechai Vanunu, the Israeli nuclear whistleblower who spent 18 years in prison for speaking publicly about his country's atomic programme, has been handed a six-month jail sentence by an Israeli court.

Mordechai Vanunu, the Israeli nuclear whistleblower who spent 18 years in prison for speaking publicly about his country's atomic programme, has been handed a six-month jail sentence by an Israeli court.

Vanunu, who was installed as rector of Glasgow University two years ago, was sentenced yesterday for violating an order restricting his contact with foreigners.

The court, which also handed Vanunu a six-month suspended sentence, held off on jailing him to allow for appeals although there have been suggestions he will not fight the sentence.

Israel has barred the former nuclear technician from travelling abroad and monitored his movements since he left jail, alleging that he has more details on the Dimona atomic reactor to divulge.

After the sentencing at Jerusalem Magistrates Court yesterday, Vanunu said the ruling proved "that Israel is not a democracy".

He added: "I don't want to live here. I have the right to be free. I want to be free and I want to leave."

Vanunu's lawyer, Michael Sfard, said he had until September 9 to decide on a course of action but added: "While Vanunu has perfect grounds for an appeal, we will have to give thought to whether that is what is wanted.

"This is a cruel sentence in a case that has nothing to do with national security or social values. It's a measure of the vindictiveness of the state of Israel."

Upon his release in 2004, Vanunu was banned from leaving the country and talking to foreigners without approval, because Israeli authorities claimed he could still divulge classified information.

He was arrested at one stage in 2005, three days after speaking to The Herald in Jerusalem.