Speech #940101940

That such a reversal took place indicated to what degree trials of this nature are politically motivated in the Soviet Union. and moreover. how the attitudes of the political leadership in the Soviet Union have preponderant influence over what should be the just and impartial carrying out of Soviet law. Of course. few can be unaware that law in the Soviet Union as applied is far different from that written. Thus. justice in the Soviet Union in the case of its Jewish citizens becomes whatever is convenient for the policies of repression. disruption. or discrimination desired by those leaders who view any kind of movement in the Soviet Union. either for human rights or simply the right to emigrate. as a serious threat to the system. These unfortunate martyrs of the Leningrad trial were perhaps uncautiously driven to a poor decision on how to achieve their rights. but we cannot. dare not. condemn them for what they attempted. They were caught in a regime that denies them the right to retain their cultural heritage and to assimilate in Soviet society.