The National Conference on Soviet Jewry designated September 15 as National Shcharansky Day in recognition of the half completed sentence served by Soviet Jewish Prisoner of Conscience Anatoly Shcharansky since his arrest in March 1977. Activities around the country will include special programs in support of Shcharansky held by state and local officials, Jewish community groups and supporters.
NCSJ chairman Morris Abram pointed out that Soviet law provides for review and early release of prisoners. Soviet leader Yuri Andropov acknowledged this fact in a letter he wrote last January to French Communist Party head Georges Marchais in response to Marchais’ appeal on behalf of Shcharansky.
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