The changing of the kinship rule in 1979 to include only "first degree" kin did not exclude Shcharansky from joining his wife in IsraelSoviet persecution did. In 1977 Shcharansky was arrested on false charges of treason and "antiSoviet agitation and propaganda." During a closed trial which allowed no lawyer of his choice and no defense witnesses. he was sentenced to 13 years in prison and labor camps. In fact. his only crime was his attempt to insure that his country uphold the Helsinki agreement to guarantee the right of family reunification and the free exercise of religious. political. and cultural freedoms. Anatoly Shcharansky has been subjected to brutal conditions while in prison: Solitary confinement. severe cold. and inadequate food. sleep. and health care. The Soviet Government has not been letting up in its denial of basic human rights. The sharp decline in the number of emigrants from that country began after a record 51.000 were permitted to leave in 1979 and hit an alltime low last year at 2.700. The saying is true: "Its a tough place to live. Its a tougher place to leave." The picture appears bleak.
Keywords matched
family reunification emigrants