It is obvious that they have no intention of abiding by their own agreement. When the number of Soviet Jews allowed to leave Russia increased in 1979. some of us were encouraged. But Jewish dissidents maintained that the increase in exit visas was not a result of any new Soviet policy toward Jewish citizens. but rather the product of an increase in visa applications. A true measure of the intent of the Soviet Government toward the emigration of citizens is not how many are allowed to leave. but how many ask to leave. And it is becoming increasingly apparent. to put it mildly. that the actions of the Soviet Union are carefully calculated to get what the Soviet Union wants. with complete disregard to the human rights of any who stand in their way. Anatoly Shcharanskys socalled crime was to monitor Soviet compliance with the Helsinki agreements on human rights. to apply for an exit visa to Israel. and attempt to tell the West what life is like as a Jew in the Soviet Union. His harsh and unfair treatment. is. no doubt. an attempt by the Soviet Government to intimidate others who might attempt to speak out on human rights violations and express their desire to leave the country. Again this year. for Anatoly Shcharansky. there was no birthday celebration. no family. no friends.
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emigration visas visa