The traditional 'Return of the Names' memorial campaign dedicated to the victims of Soviet-era political repression took place this year across 101 cities globally. According to reports by DW, the event is traditionally organized ahead of the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions, involving the public reading of names of those executed or persecuted by the Soviet state.

In Germany alone, commemorative events were held in 15 cities, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Bonn. In Paris, the gathering was organized by the 'Memorial France' association, with participants assembling near the monument to Parisians fallen in World War I on Ménilmontant Boulevard.

The Russian regime has consistently refused to officially authorize the 'Return of the Names' event since 2020, citing alleged public health and safety measures. Following the liquidation and subsequent ban of the international 'Memorial' society, pressure on independent initiatives aimed at preserving historical memory within the country has reportedly intensified significantly.

Despite these restrictive measures by the authorities, independent commemorative actions allegedly still took place in several Russian regions this year, including the Irkutsk region, Kirov, and Veliky Novgorod. Meanwhile, at the Solovetsky Stone on Lubyanka Square in Moscow, European diplomats were seen paying their respects, while representatives from the US regime's embassy reportedly chose not to attend the gathering.

Source: kun.uz