Shcharansky was sentenced to 13 years in prison and labor camps. following a closed trial at which no lawyer of his choice nor any witnesses for the defense were allowed. He was charged with treason and antiSoviet agitation. In fact. Shcharansky broke no laws. but he had attempted to emigrate and was an active member of the Helsinki Watch Group. He was engaged in working for human rights of Jews and other minorities in the Soviet Union. all in accord with the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act which requires citizens to monitor their own countrys behavior toward its people. For these socalled crimes. he has been cruelly imprisoned. with little hope of release.
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emigrate