Threat to Panov

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33450, 4 February 1974, Page 17

Threat to Panov

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) MOSCOW, February 3. The Russian ballet dancer, Valery Panov, said yesterday that Soviet Union officials had told him that his young wife, Galina, would never be allowed to leave the country, and that his own exit permit would be revoked for his refusal to emigrate without her. Mr Panov, who is 33 and formerly the star of Leningrad’s Kirov Company, told reporters by telephone from Leningrad that the officials had also threatened him with “administrative measures” as a result of his refusal. The Panovs have been [seeking visas to emigrate to; [lsrael for two years, and I [both were dismissed from! [the Kirov when they made) [their application. Since then 'they have been barred from; 'practising their profession. 1 i “I fear that my wife and I, who have been unemployed since our dismissal from the Kirov, will be forced to work outside our calling, probably as heavy labourers,” Mr Panov said. “We also fear provocations against us.” The dancer added that the authorities had attempted to break up his marriage by [giving only him permission [to leave, which, he said, was I"a crying violation of the[ [ Soviet law of the family.” He [intended to appeal to inter-1 national legal bodies. A letter from his wife to The Soviet Union Prime Min-1 ister (Mr Kosygin) in December. also protesting against 1 what she described as “a move to break our family,” [ has not been answered. ’ i