Address by Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression and Famine

Dear compatriots!

Political repression of 20-50s of XX century is a sad page in the history of our people.

After gaining independence, Kazakhstan took measures at the state level to perpetuate the memory of the victims of this tragedy.

In 1993, the Law "On rehabilitation of victims of mass political repressions" was adopted. In 1997, by the Decree of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Yelbasy N. Nazarbayev May 31 was declared the Day of memory of the victims of political repression.

We all remember what a colossal damage was caused by "great terror" to the people who lived in the territory of the Soviet state. Over five million people from all over the Soviet Union were exiled to Kazakhstan during the years of repression.

About 100 thousand of Kazakhs passed through the millstones of repression, more than 20 thousand of whom were shot.

Among the innocent convicts are such prominent statesmen and politicians as A. Bokeyhan, A. Baitursynuly, M. Tynyshpaev, M. Dulatuly, T. Ryskulov, M. Zhumabaev, S. Seyfullin, I. Zhansugurov, B. Mailin, S. Asfendiyarov and many others. A mournful symbol of cruelty and cynicism of those years was the Akmola camp of wives of traitors of the homeland ("ALZHIR"), where close relatives, wives and children of political prisoners were sent.

Today we remember with sadness those who died of hunger during the years of collectivization or were forced to leave their homeland. About three million people have suffered this disaster.

For many peoples who suffered from totalitarianism, the Kazakh land became a real home. The courage and patience of our ancestors allowed us to pass with dignity the most difficult trials and unite into one nation.

Monuments "Қазақ халқына мың алғыс" established today in the regions of the Republic reflect the expression of gratitude to humanism and wisdom of the Kazakh people.

To complete the restoration of historical justice I have instructed to establish a State commission for the rehabilitation of victims of political repression.

By cherishing the memory of those unjustly convicted, we will be able to build a bright future, the foundation of which remains our Independence.

On this sad day, it is the duty of each of us to pay tribute to all those who suffered innocently in one of the worst tragedies of the past century.