Jewish sources in the Soviet Union have reported that the trial of Dr. Mikhail Stern is expected to begin Nov. 20 and end Nov. 30 in Vinnitsa. Dr. Stern’s elder son, Viktor, has now been granted an exit visa, presumably to get him out of the way before the start of the trial. Viktor has been the most active member of the family In campaigning on behalf of his father. Viktor has said that he will refuse to accept the visa which stipulates that he must leave the Soviet Union by Dec. I.
Dr. Stern will be defended by a lawyer appointed by the authorities. He is Dmitry Pantelyevich Skripnik of the Vinnitsa Lawyers Council. The local authorities have said that Dr. Stern himself requested to be defended by a local lawyer, which is not true, according to sources. Meanwhile, Dr. Stern’s condition is reported to be deteriorating.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
