Press Release - 06.16.2000

 

NCSJ Welcomes Goussinsky’s Release, 
Charges Still Pending

(Read CNN story - June 16)

NCSJ Statement

Washington – NCSJ has welcomed the news of Vladimir Goussinsky’s release from Butyrskaya Prison in Moscow, noting that the charges against him are still pending. Goussinsky, who heads Russia’s primary independent media organization and serves as President of the Russian Jewish Congress, was released following an international outcry and mounting criticism within the Russian Federation.

"We will continue to press for clarification of the charges against him, which appear dubious at best," NCSJ Chairman Denis C. Braham of Houston pledged. "In the three days since Vladimir’s arrest, President Putin has been confronted with an outpouring of outrage at the arrest and the charges, from public and private efforts of the United States Congress and the Administration as well as European leaders, to the mobilization of Jewish communities and advocates of press freedom around the world.

"These efforts must continue, so long as the campaign of governmental interference continues."

NCSJ President Howard E. Sachs of Atlanta stated: "The efforts coordinated through NCSJ depended on a real coming-together of governmental, non-governmental and community resources on both sides of the Atlantic. All doors were opened, and within minutes of Vladimir’s arrest the pressure starting building for his release. Now that he has been released, this should give further impetus to continued efforts on his behalf."