Speech #990019292

In April. the group will focus on Yosef Begun. a leading unofficial Jewish educator and refusenik. Begun was sentenced in 1983 to 12 years in prison for "antiSoviet agitation and propaganda." This is his third sentence. twice before he was sent into Siberian exile. Beguns health is in serious condition due to the harsh prison conditions. The students are encouraging supporters to send letters to Begun and to the Soviet authorities requesting permission for Begun to emigrate. Refuseniks. like Yosef Begun and so many others. are entering a dark and threatening time. The Kremlin has intensified its campaign to harass and intimidate Soviet Jews.