Speech #960300434

This is an intolerable example of disregard for humanity and life. Mr. Speaker. 31 of my colleagues have joined me in sending the following letter to Chairman Brezhnev of the Soviet Union urging that the exit visa of Viacheslav Royak and his family be approved on humanitarian grounds: Chairman LEONID BREZHNEV. Presidium of the Supreme Soviets of the U.S.S.R.. Moscow RSFSR. U.S.S.R. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: As members of the United States House of Representatives. we are writing to express our distress over the treatment of Viacheslav Royak. whose family has been refused exit visas to Israel. Viacheslavs basic human rights have been denied in many ways. Besides the denial of his right to emigrate. he has been harassed and abused at work because of his religion. As a diabetic. Royaks health has also been endangered by the authorities. He has been repeatedly denied his insulin and often given substitutes. He has been forced to work the late night shift which has further deteriorated his condition. We appeal to you on humanitarian grounds to approve the exit visa of Viacheslay Royak and his family. He has committed no apparent crime in his quest to join his relatives in Israel. In light of his failing health and his rights to join his relatives we urge you to reconsider his application for emigration. You have pledged your support of the Helsinki Accords. which includes the rights denied to the Royaks. This is also an appeal to the leaders of the Soviet Government to abide by the human rights provisions to which you have agreed.