Opinion Paper: Science, Shcharansky, and the Soviets.

It is argued that scientists and scientific organizations have an obligation to speak out in defense of human rights of scientists. The sentencing of Anatoly Shcharansky by the Soviet Union to thirteen years imprisonment is cited as a case in point. Because it is questionable that the Soviet Union upholds international scientific standards it is urged that either scientific conferences not be held in the Soviet Union, or that the organizing committee and attendees be vigilant in assuring free and open conferences. Finally, it is questioned as to whether or not it is advisable to cooperate in official scientific exchanges with the Soviet Union in view of their repressive acts against scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]