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An Israeli court had in December sentenced Vanunu to serve three months community service or three months in prison, for violating the terms of his release from prison in 2004.

The former nuclear technician, who served 18 years for disclosing atomic secrets to a British newspaper, had opted for community service but asked Israel's Supreme Court if he could perform it in Arab east Jerusalem.

Vanunu said he did not want to work in mainly Jewish west Jerusalem for fear that he would be "harassed by the Israeli population."

The court rejected his request and ordered him to serve three months behind bars.

"Shame on you, Israel, and the stupid Shin Bet and Mossad spies who are returning me to jail after 24 years in which I have spoken only the truth," Vanunu shouted in court before being led away, referring to Israel's internal security arm and its international spy service.

"Freedom is a basic part of human rights. I am not an animal. You punished me in the past, but I cannot accept a violation of my freedom of expression."

The 55-year-old was arrested in December at a Jerusalem hotel while talking to a Norwegian woman.