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RETURN OF SAKHAROV
In December, 1986, the Soviet government headed by Gorbachev welcomed Sakharov back to Moscow and allowed him to resume his public activities. Sakharov became the most important dissident of his time, and led the people opposed to the Communist government, who wanted more drastic change than what Gorbachev was implementing.
In 1989, Sakharov was elected a member of the new parliament, the All-Union Congress of People’s Deputies, and was chosen to be a co leader of the democratic faction. He drafted a Constitution, with which he wanted to replace the old one that gave supreme power to the Soviet government, for he believed that fast and radical reform was the only form of revolution that would guarantee a smooth and peaceful transition.
In December 14, 1989, Sakharov died of an heartache. Many people attended his funeral, which bore witness to the prominence of Sakharov, and which was significant for after much slander by the Soviet government, Sakharov could still have a stronghold in the heart of the people.
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