12:11, 31 October 2009

Abkhazia commemorates victims of Stalin repressions

Abkhazia, Sukhumi, a sketch of the monument to victims of political repressions. Photo by the "Caucasian Knot"

Every year on October 30, Abkhazia marks the memory of Stalin's victims. According to historians, in 1930-1940s a thousand persons were repressed in Abkhazia, first of all, intellectuals and the political elite.

On October 30, relatives of repressed citizens - their children and grandchildren - came to the place of the would-be monument to the victims; they kindled commemoration candles and lay fresh flowers.

According to Yuri Latariya, deputy chairman of the association of victims of political repressions, it has been established that up to 7000 persons were repressed in the 1930s in Abkhazia.

According to Manchi Belia, chairman of the commission on repressions under the President of Abkhazia, during the Stalin-Beriya regime "only in one night up to 20 persons could be arrested and taken away from one village."

Historian Stanislav Lakoba marks that the cult of Stalin caused huge damage to the economic and cultural development of Abkhazia.

Author: Angela Kuchuberia

Source: CK correspondent