The Byelorussian language was replaced by the Russian language in government. schools and publications. and the names of towns and institutions were dedicated to Russians. Historic monuments and churches were also destroyed in a further attempt to extinguish Byelorussian culture. Soviet persecution of those who desire to emigrate or monitor compliance to international human rights agreements continues today. On this day of celebration. let us speak out for those like Mikhail Kukobaka. a longtime prisoner of conscience who following the "February Decrees" on prison releases. was transferred from the Perm labor camp to a local prison in Vitebsk. where the authorities are trying to get him to sign a statement of recantation that he will "refrain from activities causing harm to the Soviet State." Kukobaka refuses to sign the statement and continues to insist on three pointsthat his case be reviewed. that he be rehabilitated and be immediately granted permission to emigrate abroad. At this time Mikhail Kukobaka remains in his prison cell. Mikhail Kukobaka and thousands of Soviet refusniks are being persecuted for no crime except the love of freedom and the desire to emigrate from the Soviet Union. The national spirit of the Byelorussian people strongly thrives today despite the attempts of the Soviet Union to dominate their lives. They are a people who are not willing to submit to their powerful adversary.
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emigrate