Soviet spies who betrayed the secret of the A-Bomb or innocent victims framed by Cold War hysteria, legal corruption and anti-Semitism? Over seventy years later the debate rages on.
Sobell was a co-defendant of the Rosenbergs and claimed to be an innocent victim of a government frame-up. He eventually admitted that he had passed secrets to the Russians and that Julius Rosenberg was an espionage agent. But, he also claimed that Ethel Rosenberg was not part of the conspiracy. Sobell spent almost eighteen years in prison before his release and death in 2018, age 101.
Other federal defendants who were transported to court with the Rosenbergs mention their deep devotion and affection for each other despite harrowing circumstances.
Feklisov was the case officer who coordinated the espionage ring involving Klaus Fuchs, Harry Gold and Julius Rosenberg. Feklisov was named the Washington, DC station chief in 1960 and played a prominent role in resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After Justice Douglas permitted a last minute stay of execution for the Rosenbergs, the entire court was reconvened in a highly unusual session which vacated Douglas’ ruling. The Rosenbergs were executed only hours later.
Considered one of several villains in the Rosenberg case, Saypol, a federal prosecutor, eventually served on the New York State Supreme Court, a promotion that was perceived as a reward for his role in the prosecution and execution of the Rosenbergs.
Over ten thousand people crowded outside of the funeral home in Brooklyn where the Rosenbergs memorial was held. The couple were buried on Long Island as many cemeteries in their native New York City refused to allow their burial.
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