Magnetically repelling lock assembly

A lock assembly comprising:

• a plug having a keyway for inserting therein a key;
• and
• a movable element movingly disposed in said plug, said movable element being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein said magnetic portions are sufficiently near one another such that one of said magnetic portions applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion, and wherein said movable element is movable between an inoperative position, in which movement of said plug is prevented, and an operative position, in which movement of said plug is not prevented, and wherein at least one magnetic portion of said movable element is moved away from its operative position by the magnetic repelling force, and wherein said movable element comprises a protrusion that is adapted to be slidingly received in a groove formed in said key, such that movement of said protrusion in said groove moves said movable element to said operative position.