And the individual is not the only one who comes under fire. His relatives and friends all too frequently share his misfortunes. With labor camps. prisons. and mental hospitals in the Soviet Union being full of people who have sought to exercise their basic human right to emigrate. a few specific case histories may help to dramatize the plight of everyone thus unfortunately treated. Consider these three: One. Mr. and Mrs. Valery Panov: The Panovs were featured dancers with the Leningrad Kirov Ballet until they applied for permission to emigrate to Israel. about 2 years ago. They were fired from their positions and even forbidden to teach ballet. At the time of Soviet Communist Party Chief Leonid Brezhnevs visit to the United States. the Panovs were advised that if they "behaved" and were quiet for 3 months. their application would be favorably considered. The Panovs "behaved" for the requisite period. reapplied for a visa. and were again denied. Most recently in a move that can only be described as immoral and cynical. the authorities informed Mr. Panov that if he left his wife he could leave.
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emigrate visa