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Andreï Sakharov's life plunges us into the major struggles of the 20th century as well as into Russia's present-day issues.

Andrei Sakharov joined a research group in 1948 that was assigned to build nuclear weapons. In 1953, they invented the Soviet H bomb and until 1962, their work was used to design and build all nuclear arms. Yet, Sakharov began to be concerned with the implications his work had on the future of humanity and he tried to alert others to the danger of the nuclear arms race. His efforts were paid off in part with the signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968.

In the 70s, Sakharov created a committee for the defense of human rights and the defense of the victims of political trials. These efforts would earn him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975. Following his criticism of Soviet leaders in 1979, Sakharov was relieved of his privileges and demote. He was sent to internal exile in the city of Gorky and kept under tight KGB surveillance from 1980 to 1986.

He was initially demoted then banished because he brazenly challenged the lies and defied the dictatorship.

A rebel all his life, Sakharov was a fearless human rights activist (he was among the first to denounce the Soviet Afghan War), and a defender of personal freedoms. His scientific and political contributions have earned him a place in the 20-century history books, both in Russia and throughout the world.

To tell Sakharov's story is to draw closer to the life of a righteous man, who is mourned with a bitter conscience in his country. It also provides perspective on current events in Russia and Chechnya, and underscores his struggles.