Soviet Parliament Jeers Sakharov : Rights Activist Tries to Defend Allegations About Afghan War

Soviet human rights activist Andrei D. Sakharov was jeered and shouted down in the new Soviet Parliament today when he attempted to defend his charges that Soviet pilots killed soldiers they could not save from being captured by Afghan guerrillas.

A virulent attack on the Nobel Peace Prize winner over the allegations made in an interview with a Canadian newspaper and later published in the Soviet press was launched by Afghan veteran Sergei Chervonopisky, who lost both legs in the war.

“The essence and aims of the irresponsible accusations by Deputy Sakharov are far from clear,” he told the session. “We are outraged by his irresponsible and provocative assertions.”

Standing Ovation

His speech brought deputies to their feet with thunderous applause and, for the first time since the Congress of People’s Deputies opened nine days ago, the entire Presidium including President Mikhail S. Gorbachev joined the standing ovation.

The hall erupted into a chorus of jeers when Sakharov advanced to the podium to defend his allegations, based on Western reports that Soviet helicopters fired on their own troops to prevent them from falling into the hands of Afghan rebels.

“I deeply respect the Soviet Army and Soviet soldiers,” Sakharov tried to shout over a clamor of insults and clapping. The television showed senior army officers shouting abuse at the 68-year-old physicist.

‘War of Annihilation’

“I never insulted the heroic Soviet soldiers who served there, but the war itself, which was a criminal adventure and a huge crime by our country, which cost the lives of almost 1 million Afghans. It was a war of annihilation, a terrible sin.”

He recalled that his protest against the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan at the time had led to his six-year internal exile in the closed city of Gorky.

“I am proud of that exile and regard it as an award,” he declared, his voice shaking with emotion.

After Sakharov left the podium, a succession of army officers and other delegates denounced his remarks as slander.

“I can tell you there was not a single order from the general staff or the Defense Ministry to kill our own people. It is a blatant lie, and I call on Sakharov to take back his lie,” said former armed forces chief Marshal Sergei Akhromeyev.

Not a single deputy spoke in Sakharov’s defense.

Speaking to reporters later during a break in proceedings, historian Sergei Stankevich expressed regret over the attack.

‘A Moral Lynching’

“It was a moral lynching of a remarkable man. The war was a mistake. It was was our national shame. I am ashamed.”