The history of the mass repression and murder of Poles living in the Soviet Union almost 90 years ago is presented in the IPN exhibition “The Polish Operation of the NKVD in 1937-1938”, shown at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana.

The opening was attended by Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy President of the IPN.

In 1937-1938, the Soviets murdered at least 111,000 Poles living in the western regions of the Soviet Union and sent thousands more to labour camps, including in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, 31 May is the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions. It commemorates representatives of all nations and social groups living in the territory of the USSR who fell victim to mass persecution.

“May this exhibition become an opportunity for reflection, contemplation and remembrance. May it remind us of the great value of freedom, human dignity and solidarity between people. Today, let us pay tribute to all the victims of repression, as well as to those who, despite their traumatic experiences, preserved their humanity and passed on a testimony of truth to the next generations,” said Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy President of IPN, as he opened the exhibition.

As he emphasised, it is our duty to preserve the memory of these events: the memory of the victims and their suffering, but also of the courage and strength of spirit of those who, despite repression, managed to preserve their culture, language and faith.