Original Source: novayagazeta.eu
In a recent interview, Valery Fadeyev, head of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, stirred controversy by proposing to relocate the Solovetsky Stone, a revered memorial for victims of Soviet repression, from its prominent position by the Lubyanka building in Moscow. He argued that the stone, which symbolizes profound suffering, has become a locus for political protests rather than a site of genuine remembrance.
The Solovetsky Stone, a granite slab from the site of the first Soviet prison camp, was moved to Moscow in 1990 to honor those who suffered under Stalin’s regime. Located near the former KGB headquarters, it serves as a poignant reminder of past atrocities. However, Fadeyev insists that individuals now visit the stone more for political reasons than for homage, suggesting alternatives for remembrance like the Wall of Grief.
Fadeyev’s recommendations, including removing the Last Address memorial plaques and relocating the Solovetsky Stone, highlight a notable tension between commemorating the past and the current political climate in Russia. His comments reflect an attempt to reshape historical memory, potentially downplaying the significance of Soviet-era crimes while promoting state-approved narratives.
