Soviet trials

Press, 15 July 1978, Page 14

Soviet trials

Sir, — In condemning the Soviet dissident trials, Mr Muldoon has criticised those (presumably of “the Left”) who are critical of injustices in other countries, but have remained silent in this case. While agreeing that harsh punishments for “anti-So-viet” activities are quite indefensible, I question the selective morality of those who choose to protest just in this case. Former National Governments have been loud in their support for administrations in the United States which persecuted thousands for “unAmerican” activities. In dozens of countries every year, numerous people whose names will never be known to us suffer persecution, torture and death without even the pretence of legality. It is no less unjust to oe hurled to one’s death from a window on the top floor of a police building, than it is to be imprisoned for civil rights protests. The prominent do not have more human rights than the nameless. — Yours, etc., DEREK BROWNE. July 14, 1978.