Andrei Sakharov

Intellectual freedom is the only guarantee of a scientific - democratic approach to politics, economic development, and culture.

Both now and for always, I intend to hold fast to my belief in the hidden strength of the human spirit.

A country which does not respect the rights of its own citizens will not respect the rights of its neighbours

I regard the death penalty as a savage and immoral institution that undermines the moral and legal foundations of society. I reject the notion that the death penalty has any essential deterrent effect on potential offenders. I am convinced that the contrary is true - that savagery begets only savagery.