Russian journalist says vandals destroy plaque commemorating Soviet terror victim
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian journalist says vandals destroy plaque commemorating Soviet terror victim, 25 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf6b15.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 25, 2016
A Russian journalist said vandals have ripped a plaque commemorating a victim of Soviet repression from a building in the Siberian city of Barnaul.
Sergei Parkhomenko, who is helping lead a national initiative to commemorate victims of Soviet purges, said the February 25 incident appeared to be the first since the organization known as "Last Address" launched its effort.
The project draws on the vast historical database of Soviet repression compiled by the rights group Memorial.
It invites Russians to pay between 3,500 and 4,000 rubles ($75-85) for a plaque – either for a relative or somebody who lived in their building.
Parkhomenko said in a post on Facebook that two men told passersby who tried to stop them that "we were told to take it down, so we're taking it down."
He said it was first incident of outright vandalism against more than 200 plaques that began going up nationwide earlier this month.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website