The repressive policy of the soviet totalitarian authorities towards the evangelical baptist christians of Ukraine

Abstract

The punitive and repressive machine of the Soviet totalitarian regime worked to destroy politically helpless citizens of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, including religious people who made sacrifices for the sake of their beliefs. A large number of them died in Stalin's concentration camps from diseases and malnutrition, as well as from difficult working conditions. Many prisoners were sentenced to be shot. Their families were harassed by law enforcement agencies, the press, and at work. During the Khrushchev period, after the announcement of the anti-religious campaign and before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the children and grandchildren of former prisoners of conscience filled high-security prisons and penal colonies. The families of prisoners of conscience suffered from the persecution by law enforcement agencies, Party and Komsomol members and other activists at large. Members of the Evangelical Baptist Christians community were subjected to physical and moral torture by the punitive and repressive authorities both during pre-trial investigative actions and in exile camps, and after serving their sentences. The cruelest conditions for believers were specially created in places of deprivation of liberty, where they were not given timely medical aid in case of illness or injury at work, which led to injury or even death. Regardless of age, gender, and health of prisoners of conscience, they were always used in the most difficult jobs. Convicted believers were also deprived of the following rights offered to other prisoners: visits with relatives and early release for good behavior. The prison administration established additional punishments for keeping religious literature and reading prayers. After the release, most of the prisoners of conscience, despite the loss of health and the constant supervision of the police, the prosecutor's office and the local authorities, continued their spiritual service.