The 1975 Helsinki agreement. signed by the Soviet Union and the United States. charges signatory nations with the responsibility "to deal in a positive and humanitarian spirit with the applications of persons who wish to be reunited with members of their family" and acknowledges the right of every nation to question the treatment of citizens of other countries. The failure of the U.S.S.R. to uphold its commitments under international law. such as the Helsinki accords. can no longer be tolerated. Political prisoners of conscience have not only been denied permission to emigrate and to join their families abroad. but also. have been subjected to constant harassment. unjust imprisonment. and total disregard for their physical and mental health. Furthermore. several others refuse to voice their opposition for fear of similar treatment or refusal of a possible future visa. Forced to live under such conditions. these individuals cannot speak for themselves and consequently. they need our help. The ailing Yuriy Shukhevych. convicted for the socalled crime of refusing to denounce the ideals of Ukrainian nationalism and deeds of his father. needs our help. Americans must forcefully urge the U.S.S.R. to provide proper medical care by releasing Shukhevych and by allowing him and his family to emigrate. Anatoly Shcharansky. a distinguished political prisoner of conscience in declining health who was denied the right to emigrate to Israel. needs our help. Yuri Badzyo. also a Ukrainian nationalist. who was placed in a labor camp for his opposition to russification. needs our help. He and his family should no longer be denied their basic rights and freedoms because of their personal beliefs.
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emigrate visa