Family of Ethel Rosenberg say US document proves she was no Soviet spy

The family of Ethel Rosenberg, executed in 1953 for alleged espionage alongside her husband Julius, is calling for her exoneration following the release of a National Security Agency (NSA) document. This document, authored by codebreaker Meredith Gardner, suggests that while Ethel was aware of Julius's espionage activities, she did not actively participate in them. The Meeropol brothers, Robert and Michael, who were young children at the time of their parents' arrest, have long maintained their mother's innocence and are urging President Joe Biden to issue a formal proclamation acknowledging her wrongful conviction. They expressed both relief and anger upon learning that the U.S. government had evidence of Ethel's non-involvement prior to her trial. The NSA memo, which was declassified recently, indicates that Ethel was described as a "devoted wife" and a "party member," but not a spy herself. Despite this, historians remain divided on Ethel's role, with some asserting she was complicit in her husband's activities. The Meeropols hope this new evidence will lead to a broader shift towards transparency within the national security community.

- Ethel Rosenberg's family seeks her exoneration after new NSA document suggests she was not a spy.

- The document indicates Ethel was aware of her husband's espionage but did not engage in it.

- The Meeropol brothers have campaigned for decades to clear their mother's name.

- Historians remain divided on Ethel's involvement in espionage activities.

- The family calls on President Biden to formally acknowledge the injustice done to Ethel Rosenberg.