Speech #960209020

During his prison term. his health has deteriorated. he has been denied visitation privileges. and he has been subject to much interrogation and psychological harassment. Because Shcharansky felt so strongly about the political and religious persecution forced upon helpless victims in the Soviet Union. he felt compelled to speak out in behalf of others. and to inform the outside world of Soviet human rights violations. This and many other injustices brought upon innocent victims should cause us to speak out and protest with increased intensity until the Soviet Government is forced to release Anatoly Shcharansky. and to grant him permission to emigrate to Israel where he can join his wife. Avital. I know that many of my colleagues have been active. as I have. in writing letters to President Carter and to Soviet officials urging that action be taken to insure the safety of those struggling to gain their human rights in the Soviet Union. We must continue this struggle until these innocent people can live without fear of persecution. practice their chosen religion without oppression. and for those who desire. to emigrate with their families in accordance with the civilized norms in existence in most countries throughout the world. except in the Soviet Union.*