Irina Scherbakowa on Exile: Dissidents' Role Extends Beyond Borders

At the 'Tage des Exils' (Days of Exile) event, historian and dissident Irina Scherbakowa delivered a speech emphasizing that dissidents' crucial role for their homeland does not end at the national border. She drew parallels between the Stalinist era and the present day under Vladimir Putin, who, according to her, kills independent thinkers or drives them into exile. The event, held in Germany, highlighted the ongoing significance of exiled voices in challenging authoritarian regimes. Scherbakowa, a member of the Russian human rights organization Memorial, which was dissolved by the Russian government, spoke about the enduring impact of dissidents who continue their work from abroad. The speech underscored the continuity of repression from Stalin's time to Putin's Russia, where independent voices are silenced either through violence or forced emigration. The 'Tage des Exils' event serves as a platform to discuss the experiences and contributions of exiled individuals, emphasizing that their influence persists despite geographical distance.