Vladimir and Maria Slepak. and urged his immediate attention and appeal to their behalf. Vladimir. Maria. and their son first applied for exit visas in April 1970. They were refused 2 months later because of Vladimirs "classified" work as head of a laboratory in the Moscow Scientific Institute of Television Research. Although he had left his position a year earlier. hoping that this step would facilitate his visa. Marias and his applications were turned down because of Vladimirs "state interest." Eight years later. Maria and Vladimir Slepak were arrested for displaying a banner from their home window saying "Let us Go to Our Son in Israel." As a result. Vladimir was sentenced to 5 years of internal exile on charges of "malicious hooliganism." and Maria was given a 3year suspended sentence. Vladimir was released from Siberia in 1981 and permitted into Moscow where he currently works as an elevator operator. Both he and Maria reapplied for exit visas to Israel this past summer. 14 years after the original exit visas were applied for. but were once again refused. As we begin this Congressional Call to Conscience. let us band together to voice congressional concern about those who have repeatedly been denied the right to practice their religion freely and the right to emigrate. There are unfortunately thousands of refusniks. not only Jews but many others as well. like Maria and Vladimir Slepak who so desperately yearn for freedom. It is the obligation of all of us in the free world to call for a stop to this tyramy of Soviet authority.
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