Speaker. 5 years ago. on June 12. 1970. 12 Soviet citizens were arrested in Leningrad on charges that they had attempted to commandeer a plane to escape from the Soviet Union and. for the 10 Soviet Jews in the group. to join the return to Israel. Even before they set foot on Priozersk Airport. these unfortunates were seized and charged with treason. committing antiSoviet activities. and stealing state property. If. indeed. they were intent on seizing an aircraft. the 12 brave people were moved to the act only by the apparent impossibility of their being able to leave the Soviet Union legally under that countrys denial of the elementary human right of emigration. The sentences given to these individuals after a trial in Leningrad in December 1970. were exceedingly harsh. M.
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emigration