Soviet Union: Freedom Now, 16 Years Late

Freedom Now, 16 Years Late

Soviet Dissident Iosif Begun has had a tumultuous year. Last February, after a series of public protests, the Soviet Union's best-known refusenik was abruptly released from labor camp after serving 3 1/2 years on charges stemming from his activities as a Hebrew teacher. Last week Begun, 55, again got some good news. Soviet authorities announced that they were approving his 16-year-old request to emigrate to Israel.

Begun's elderly mother and his wife Inna will also be allowed to leave, along with more than a dozen other Soviet Jews who have been campaigning for exit permits for years. Moscow's move is evidently...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!