Speech #970161414

I support House Concurrent Resolution 218. expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the imprisonment and treatment by the Soviet Union of Mart Niklus. Mr. Niklus is an Estonian scientist and human rights supporter who has been imprisoned by Soviet authorities for defending the activities of groups engaged in monitoring Soviet compliance with the Helsinki Final Act. Mr. Niklus is in ill health and requires immediate medical attention. Not only should he be granted such care. but he should be allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act. Soviet repression against Mr. Niklus is in violation of international law and the solemn obligations agreed upon by the Soviet Government.