Speech #990185136

I introduced this resolution to grant a Congressional Gold Medal to the Shcharanskys because of their outstanding and unwavering commitment to human rights. and their truly magnificent strength of spirit. "Natan" Shcharansky was one of the founding members of the Moscow Helsinki Monitoring Group. This group set up to oversee the Soviet Unions compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki accords. Within months of joining the group. he was arrested on charges of espionage as part of a Soviet campaign to taint the Jewish emigration movement with the charge of treason. In 1978. he was sentenced to 3 years in prison and 10 years of hard labor for antiSoviet agitation. treason. and espionage. "Natan" Shcharansky was not a spy. His real crime was his courageous activity on behalf of wouldbe Jewish immigrants. With his excellent command of English and his quick wit. he served as a spokesman and public relations person in Moscow for the Jewish emigration movement. Knowing his activity would probably lead to prison. he nevertheless contacted Western correspondents. arranged press conferences. and translated statements to win publicity for the plight of Soviet Jews seeking to emigrate. Once imprisoned. he did not lose hope nor heart. Although he was in physical custody. his Soviet jailers never enslaved his spirit.