His trial was held in a shutdown munitions factory and his father and brother were denied entry into the courtroom. His lawyer tried to appeal the sentence and has since been disbarred. The important aspect of this mans trial is that one year before. he had applied to emigrate to Israel and had subsequently been arrested three times before the 1973 trial. Each time. Alexandr was sentenced to 15 days in prison as a "hooligan." I feel it is appropriate that at this time we as a Nation affirm our dedication to the principles of personal liberty and freedom of choice. For the millions of people who suffer under the shadow of tyranny. we must continue to provide the inspiration and hope so vital to their struggle for the basic human rights which belong to all people. Obviously. the Soviets are sentitive to world public opinion. Since the Leningrad trial of 1970 over 100.000 Soviet Jews have been granted exit visas. However. recent newspaper articles and reports from Soviet immigrants have indicated a tightening of Soviet policy. increased trials on trumpedup charges and a sharply reduced rate of emigration. Therefore. the need to publicize the plight of the actual and potential prisoners of conscience Is more imperative than ever. While the overwhelming majority of the Prisoners of Conscience are of the Jewish faith. I feel it is important to recognize that such harassment is not limited to a particular race. creed. or religion and is a standard practice for anyone who does not properly fit into the Soviet mold. At the present time the Jews are the victims of this treatment because of their desire to emigrate. but we should not forget the hundreds of other individuals who are suffering within the Gulag for their personal beliefs. At this point. I would like to submit for the RECORD a list of the names of Soviet Jewish Prisoners of Conscience and the dates of their arrest.
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emigrate immigrants visas emigration