Dissident Kuznetsov, who tried to hijack an airplane to escape from the USSR, has died

Soviet dissident Eduard Kuznetsov, who is known for his attempt to hijack an airplane to escape from the USSR, died in Israel at the age of 84. About it on Sunday, December 22, reports the publication MIGnews, which was founded by Kuznetsov.

"On December 22, Eduard Samoilovich Kuznetsov passed away at the 85th year of life," - stated in the publication.

The reasons and circumstances of the passing away are not specified.

Kuznetsov (at birth Gerzon) was born in Moscow in 1939. His father was a Jew, his mother - Russian. In his youth he changed his surname to his mother's maiden name. He graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow State University. In 1961 he was convicted for anti-Soviet activity for seven years. In 1970 he received a second sentence for attempting to hijack an airplane to Israel. Initially sentenced to death, the sentence was later commuted to 15 years in prison. In 1979, he was exchanged for Soviet spies and left for Tel Aviv.