Shmuel Zalmanson, brother of former Prisoner of Conscience Silva Zalmanson, who was arrested late last week by Riga KGB officials, is being charged with “bribery” and “theft of State property.” it was reported today by the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, Conference chairman Eugene Gold condemned this latest act of Soviet harassment as a malicious attempt by the Soviets to destroy the Zalmanson family. Shmuel’s two brothers, Israel and Vulf who were among the Leningrad trial defendants, are presently serving eight and ten-year terms in Soviet labor camps.
The Conference also learned today that former POC Yari Pokh has been granted a visa to Israel after months of harassment. Pokh had been threatened with army conscription and was detained for three days last month when he refused to enlist reluntarily, He had been ordered to report for active military duty on April 12.
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.
