Kazakhstan Honors Casualties from Political Oppression and Famine Victims
Revised Article:
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently participated in a solemn ceremony on May 31, commemorating the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repressions and Famine.
During his visit to the ALZHIR Museum and Memorial Complex, Tokayev paid tribute to the victims of political repression and totalitarianism, observing a minute of silence in their honor.
"Year after year, we honor the victims of political oppression and famine, bowing our heads to those who vanished in the shadows of the past," addressed Tokayev, according to Akorda.
The 1930s brought about forced collectivization policies by the Soviet government, resulting in catastrophic famines across Kazakhstan, causing significant loss of life and displacement. Additionally, the era was marred by Stalinist repression, where countless numbers, including the national intelligentsia, were labeled as "enemies of the people" and met with severe punishment.
In total, eleven GULAG (state prison) camps operated within Kazakhstan, with ALZHIR representing one of the most brutal institutions where thousands of women, wives of those accused of political crimes, were unjustly imprisoned.
Representatives of over 60 ethnic groups experienced the brunt of these oppressive policies. Descendants of ALZHIR survivors, present at the event, were addressed by Tokayev, who emphasized the importance of remembering this dark chapter in history to prevent future tragedies.
Kazakhstan continues its significant efforts to rehabilitate victims of political oppression, with over 300,000 individuals cleared of past accusations and millions of documents declassified. A special center has been established to study archival materials, and extensive collections of historical documents have been published. Tokayev stressed the need to preserve historical truth without politicization.
Today, Kazakhstan is embarking on a path to "Just Kazakhstan." Broad political and constitutional reforms have been enacted, including the establishment of a Constitutional Court, expansions in parliamentary powers, and the introduction of direct elections for local officials. Tokayev emphasized that the principle of "Independence above all" must remain at the forefront of the nation's consciousness.
Tokayev also linked historical reflection to contemporary progress, stating, "Today, we are building Just Kazakhstan. The political mindset of our society is evolving. People believe in real change and have become the driving force of positive transformation."
The President concluded with a rallying cry to the younger generation, "Understand your history, but gaze forward with hope. Learn, grow, and always prepared to protect our sovereignty."
- In his speech at the ALZHIR Museum, President Tokayev emphasized the need for policy-and-legislation to ensure the historical truth about political repressions and famine is preserved without politicization.
- The event of commemorating the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repressions and Famine has significant importance in Kazakh politics, as it serves as a reminder of the need to avoid such atrocities in the future, especially given the current focus on constructing a Just Kazakhstan.
