Remembering ALZHIR: Descendants Honor Victims of Political Repression in Kazakhstan

Akmola, Kazakhstan: Descendants Remember ALZHIR Victims On May 31, 2025, a moving ceremony unfolded at the ALZHIR memorial complex in Akmola, Kazakhstan. Descendants of those who suffered under political repressions gathered to lay flowers at the Wall of Remembrance, a stark black granite monument inscribed with the names of the victims. The event was a powerful reminder of the injustices of the past and the enduring legacy of the Soviet-era camps. One woman, whose family experienced the horrors of ALZHIR firsthand, shared her story. "My grandmother, a respected doctor in the Kazakh SSR, was unjustly imprisoned," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Even after her rehabilitation, the scars of those years remained." Her words highlighted the lasting impact of the repressions, not just on individuals, but on entire families. The video also captures the search for names on the wall. A woman, visibly emotional, sought the name of her mother, a victim of the camp, demonstrating the enduring quest for remembrance and justice. The event concluded with the laying of wreaths, a symbolic act of tribute and reconciliation. This ceremony highlights the ongoing efforts to remember and honor the victims of ALZHIR and the importance of historical remembrance.