May 31 is the day of remembrance of one of the most tragic pages in the history of Kazakhstan and the post

May 31 is the day of remembrance of one of the most tragic pages in the history of Kazakhstan and the post-Soviet space - mass political repressions and a terrible famine that caused the death of millions of people. This memorable date was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 5, 1997.

In Kazakhstan itself, from 1921 to 1954, more than 103,000 people were repressed for political reasons and over 25,000 were shot, including representatives of the Kazakh elite: prominent figures in science, culture, and politics. According to various estimates, from 2 to 3 million people became victims of mass starvation, more than 1.5 million left Kazakhstan, which in total amounted to 60-65% of the entire Kazakh people. 243 people were repressed in the city of Ridder. This day will forever remain in the history of our people, we must remember and honor the memory of all those who died. This is an important historical lesson that we must always remember.

Mayor of the city of Ridder D.  Gorkovoy