Dr. Joseph Irlin, who has been seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union since 1979, has begun a hunger strike in Moscow, according to the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews.
The 52-year-old oncologist is conducting his strike which began August 14, in conjunction his strike which began August 14, in conjunction with the International Oncology Conference being held in Budapest, Hungary, August 21-27.
An internationally-known oncologist, Irlin was dismissed from his position as a senior scientist at the All-Union Cancer Research Center immediately after applying to emigrate. He also lost membership in other scientific organizations.
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