Russia marks the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression on October 30. The date was established in 1991 after the law “On the Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression” was adopted.
A rally was held that day in Kyzyl at the Unbowed monument. In a statement, Head of the Republic of Tuva Vladislav Khovalyg paid tribute to those who suffered and said work to rehabilitate and restore the names of people wrongfully convicted should continue.
Repression in Tuva affected people of different nationalities and professions, including lamas, shamans, arats, officials, workers and public figures.
One of the darkest episodes in the republic’s history was the execution on October 16, 1938, of seven prominent officials of the Tuvan People’s Republic: Sat Churmet-Dazhy, Adyg-Tyulyush Khemchik-ool, Oyun Tanchay, Kara-Sal Pirinley, Kuular Sungar-ool, Oyun Sengiyizhik and Sat Lopsan. They were accused of counterrevolutionary activity and espionage.
Incomplete records indicate that 1,286 people in Tuva were subjected to political repression. Rally participants observed a minute of silence and laid flowers at the monument, then visited the Museum of Victims of Political Repression to view archival materials and accounts of local people affected during those years.
