Outside of Minsk there lies a dense forest called Kurapaty, a place where once one entered they never again returned. Through the years people talked about the forest, what happened there and why no one ever returned. The answer was finally discovered when gas lines were being laid.

Behind the tick trees, nestled amongst the hills was fenced area not terribly far from a village called Zialony Luh. The elderly there still talk about the black trucks who would take people into the forest never to be seen again. Everyday from the years 1937 until at least 1941 people were shot in Kurapaty forest.

This was all part of Stalin’s main goal, Russification of the entire Soviet Union. During this period Stalin attempted to eradicate the Belorussian culture and those who protested were killed. Kurapaty was not the only fate which awaited those who dared to stray from Stalin’s twisted plan.

Siberia was another popular option during Stalin’s regime. Those awaiting the long train ride would first be sprayed with cold water in freezing temperatures and left in the train car overnight. Those who died had their skulls crushed to ensure they were really dead, those who survived went to Siberia.

Hundreds of thousands of Belorussians perished during Stalin’s regime; 102,000 in Kurapaty forest alone. Kurapaty is now more than just a forest and a killing ground, it is a symbol. After the discovery of the bodies a memorial was started by the people of Belarus, and it not only represent their mourning of those who perished in Kurapaty but the struggle for freedom they are still facing.