Ukraine commemorates the victims of political repression
This is reported by Novyny.LIVE.
The Great Terror was one of the most tragic periods in the history of Ukraine
One of the most extensive phases of Soviet repression was the Great Terror of 1937–1938. During this period, mass arrests, executions and deportations took place across the whole of Ukraine. The repressions were organised by the Soviet leadership, headed by Joseph Stalin, to suppress any resistance and establish complete control over society. Ukrainian scientists, artists, political figures, military personnel, priests and ordinary citizens were targeted.
Hundreds of thousands of people were repressed in Ukraine
According to historians’ estimates, almost 199,000 people were sentenced in the Ukrainian SSR alone during the Great Terror. Most of them were sentenced to death by firing squad, whilst others were sent to Gulag camps or prisons. The official start of the mass repressions is considered to be Order No. 00447 of the NKVD of the USSR dated 30 July 1937. The document specified the number of people who were to be arrested or shot. For the Ukrainian SSR, the initial ‘quota’ for death sentences was over 26,000 people, but within a few months it was significantly increased.
Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression
The Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression in Ukraine was established to honour those who fell victim to persecution, deportation, imprisonment and execution during the Soviet regime. Every year on this day, commemorative events, wreath-laying and memorial ceremonies take place across Ukraine.
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