THE OTHER RUSSIA

MEMORIAL was founded in 1989 – before the end of the Soviet Union – by dissidents of the regime, including Andrei Sacharov. Among its many goals, MEMORIAL was established to study Stalinism and repression in the Soviet Union, the rehabilitation of victims, the preservation of their history, and generally to fight for democracy and human rights. After some promising years, the organisation increasingly drew the ire of Putin’s regime beginning in 2000, and following the Russian attack on Ukraine, was shut down for good. Numerous activists were forced to flee Russia. Nonetheless MEMORIAL remains determined and courageously committed to continuing its work in exile. In 2022 MEMORIAL was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The exhibition spotlights MEMORIAL’s history and commitment to rebuilding a democratic Russia on a foundation of historical truth – instead of propaganda, hatred and lies. It is also dedicated to drawing attention to government actions taken by Putin to suppress their important work through bureaucratic and judicial measures, defamation campaigns, intimidation, criminalisation and blatant repression. The exhibition sends an unmistakable signal that MEMORIAL will not be intimidated and shall continue fighting for a democratic Russia despite all odds. It shows that despite brutal repression, a different Russia still exists, and it needs our solidarity. Original documents of repression and resistance from MEMORIAL’s collections and archives form the centrepiece of the exhibition. The exhibition is presented under the patronage of the German Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for East Germany, Carsten Schneider. Following its debut in Weimar, the exhibition will go on tour.