“ОСТАННЄ СЛОВО” В СУДОВІЙ ЗАЛІ ЯК ВИКЛИК ВЛАДІ (З КРИМІНАЛЬНОЇ СПРАВИ ДИСИДЕНТА ЗОРЯНА ПОПАДЮКА)

Abstract

Drawing upon the declassified archival files meticulously preserved by the State Security Committee of the Ukrainian SSR, this endeavor seeks to illuminate the profound impact of the Soviet totalitarian system and propaganda on human destinies. Despite the relentless efforts to suppress individual spirits, it becomes evident that the indomitable spirit and the capacity for conscious resistance persisted among citizens who refused to succumb to Moscow's propaganda machinery. In particular, the focus of this exploration is on the remarkable case of Zorian Popadiuk, a first-year student enrolled in the Faculty of Philology at Lviv University. The publication of the final statement delivered by Popadiuk during his trial serves as a poignant lens through which to discern the moral and intellectual resilience of this young non-conformist, subsequently evolving into a dissident and enduring the harsh realities of long-term incarceration within the confines of Soviet camps. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a repressive regime that sought to mold the thoughts and actions of its citizens through pervasive propaganda. The declassified files present a harrowing account of the ways in which the Soviet machinery endeavored to cripple the destinies of individuals, aiming to subjugate the collective consciousness to the dictates of the ruling ideology. However, as we delve into the life and trial of Zorian Popadiuk, it becomes apparent that the spirit of resistance and the quest for individuality persisted against all odds. Zorian Popadiuk's journey from a seemingly ordinary first-year student to a symbol of dissent is a testament to the human capacity for resilience in the face of oppressive systems. The trial, a crucial juncture in his life, serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle against ideological conformity. Popadiuk's final statement, extracted from the trial records, unveils the depth of his moral and intellectual fortitude. It becomes a significant point of reflection, shedding light on the inner workings of a non-conformist mind grappling with the ideological juggernaut of the Soviet state. The examination of Popadiuk's trial extends beyond a mere historical account; it provides valuable insights into the broader socio-political landscape of the time. It serves as a poignant reminder that, even within the confines of a totalitarian regime, there existed individuals who resisted the homogenizing effects of propaganda, clinging steadfastly to their convictions and individuality. The publication of Popadiuk's final words serves a dual purpose – to acknowledge the personal sacrifice of one individual and to unveil the collective resistance simmering beneath the surface of the Soviet society.