Two important Rumanian Zionist leaders have been released from prison following a decision by the Rumanian Supreme Court cutting heavy sentences imposed on them by a military tribunal, it was reported here today. They had been convicted of contact with Jewish organizations abroad and with carrying on Zionist activities.
The high court reduced two fifteen-year sentences to ten months each on appeals by the Zionist leaders–Jean Littman and Suzanne Benvenisti. Since both had already served more time in prison than that, they were released immediately. The high court’s decision was handed down last Friday.
Authoritative circles here noted with satisfaction that this was the first instance of the Rumanian Supreme Court overruling a military tribunal and materially reducing a sentence imposed by such a court. These same circles were extremely cautious in interpreting the meaning of this action, but when asked whether this might indicate a new approach by the Rumanian Government to the Zionists, said: “We hope so.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
