Russians are commemorating the victims of political repression

Russia remembers the victims of Soviet era political repression as more than 1,000 people gather at the former KGB headquarters in central Moscow.  Former prisoners of GULAGs, which were a chain of labor camps setup during Stalin's rule.

These people have gathered at Lubyanka square in the centre of Moscow. Over a thousand people are taking part in the meeting.

The square is not only famous for being the site of the former KGB headquarters there is also a stone from Solovki Island there, one of the most infamous labor camps for political prisoners. The commemoration started with a minute's silence. Wreaths were laid at the stone in memory of those who died, during Stalin’s political repression. The Day of Soviet Political Prisoners was first officially recognized in 1991. Russian president Vladimir Putin highlighted that every victim of the repressions should be remembered so history would not to repeat itself.

He said: “Today is the day we commemorise the victims of political repressions. Law enforcement agency will make it possible for the society to get all the information on the victims realization. Now no victim remains without recognition or identity.”