Begun was arrested and charged with "antiSoviet agitation and propaganda"-article 70 of the Russian Criminal Code. Jewish activists in the past have often been tried and convicted for the same charge. The sentence handed down to Begun is the worst that can be given for a conviction under article 70. Clearly. in light of the Soviets increasing reluctance to loosen their strict policy on emigration. Beguns sentencing further establishes the Soviets coldly ideological desire to enforce absolute conformity on every cultural and political front. Any stirring of dissent has been met by harsh retaliatory measures on the part of Soviet authorities.
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emigration