Those who were executed, sent to camps, shot and tortured number in the thousands and millions of people. Along with this, as a rule these were people with their own opinions. These were people who were not afraid to speak their mind. They were the most capable people. They are the pride of the nation.

Talking with the Press after visiting the Butovo Memorial Site, 30 Oct 2007 http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24627

More on Butovo http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/08/world/europe/08butovo.html?fta=y&_r=0