A group of pro-government activists disrupted an annual event in Karelia commemorating the victims of Stalin’s purges, according to the Memorial human rights group. The Sandarmokh memorial, where at least 6,000 gulag prisoners were buried, hosts the Day of Remembrance annually, attracting diplomats and pilgrims.
This year, the event was marred by the presence of Cossacks, Molodaya Gvardiya members, and other pro-government activists, who clashed with the traditional somber atmosphere. Men in military gear made provocative statements at Jewish memorials and played patriotic songs loudly.
Local media reported that the activists tried to drown out readings of victims’ names by the Soviet secret police. Authorities detained local activists and searched media offices before the event. Critics accused the Russian government of covering up evidence of Stalin-era repression by conducting archaeological digs.
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