Activists Commemorate Victims of Political Repression
Global participants read aloud names of those lost to state violence in an annual initiative.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Civic
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Participants gathered at Amsterdam's Frederiksplein square to commemorate victims of political repression. The event, part of an annual initiative, occurred in over 100 cities worldwide.
Why it matters
Organizers aim to honor those lost to Soviet-era violence while encouraging reflection on the connection between historical state repression and contemporary political conditions.
The Amsterdam commemoration drew 50 attendees, part of a broader movement spanning 100 cities this year. This represents a decrease from the 150 cities that hosted similar events last year.
The players
Memorial
This human rights organization was founded to document Soviet political repression and has been designated as an extremist organization by the Russian government.
Nikolai Epple
He has served as the organizer for the Amsterdam commemoration event since 2022.
Alexei Navalny
A prominent political figure who died in custody on February 16, 2024.
The details
At the event, participants read the names of victims of political repression into a microphone, using name cards provided by organizers in several languages. The initiative focuses on remembering victims of Soviet repression and documenting state violence.
Timeline
Dec. 2, 1937: Execution of Nikolai Khristoforovich Bashlykov.
Dec. 14, 1937: Execution of Sabina Savelyevna Bogusevich.
July 7, 1938: Execution of Maria Georgiyevna Babek.
Feb. 16, 2024: Death of Alexei Navalny.
Oct. 29, 2026: Returning the Names global commemoration.
Industry Dynamics
This annual remembrance follows the historical patterns set by the Soviet Great Purge to document victims of state-sponsored violence. It represents a persistent effort by human rights organizations to maintain historical memory despite increasing state-level opposition.
Those interested in participating can join local commemorations that provide name cards in multiple languages to facilitate reading names aloud. Access to these events is public, allowing community members to engage directly with historical documentation efforts.
The takeaway
These events serve as a structured way for individuals to participate in the act of historical preservation. Reading the names of victims allows for a personal connection to history, helping to bridge the gap between past injustices and modern political awareness.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing advocacy and memorial efforts in the Civic section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Moscow Times.
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Do you believe publicly memorializing historical political repression is essential for a nation's democratic future?
