Valeriy Abramkin Dissident. Date of Birth: 19.05.1947 Country: Russia

1. Dissident in the Soviet Union
2. Founder of Moscow's Self-Singing Song Club
3. Organizer of Alternative Gatherings
4. KGB Suppression and Forced Resignation
5. Co-Founder of "Poiski" Magazine
6. Arrest and Trial
7. Second Arrest and Intensified Punishment
8. Post-Imprisonment and Advocacy for Prison Reform
9. Legacy as a Human Rights Activist

Dissident in the Soviet Union

Born into a working-class family, Aleksandr Ageev graduated from the Moscow Institute of Chemical Technology in 1970. After working as a chemical engineer, he became actively involved in the arts and dissent.

Founder of Moscow's Self-Singing Song Club

As a student, Ageev began writing songs. He co-founded the Moscow Self-Singing Song Club (KSP), a platform for amateur musicians. KSP organized concerts and gatherings, fostering the genre. Ageev served as the club's chairman at his university and a member of the Moscow board.

Organizer of Alternative Gatherings

In 1975, Ageev withdrew from KSP due to increasing control by the Komsomol. He organized alternative gatherings known as "Resurrections." Based on these events, he compiled and contributed to the self-published almanac of the same name and later prepared a collection of materials from the meetings.

KGB Suppression and Forced Resignation

In 1976, Ageev was warned by the KGB about potential sanctions for participating in the "Resurrections." He faced searches and was coerced into resigning from his institute. During 1976-1979, he held various odd jobs, including as a geophysicist, lumberjack, stoker, and church caretaker.

Co-Founder of "Poiski" Magazine

In 1978, Ageev became a co-founder of the samizdat journal "Poiski" ("Searches"). As a member of the editorial board, he played a crucial role in organizing and authoring the publication. In 1979, "Poiski" faced severe persecution, leading to interrogations and searches. Facing threats of arrest, Ageev and the editorial team denounced this as blackmail.

Arrest and Trial

On December 4, 1979, Ageev was arrested for his involvement in "Poiski." He stood accused of editing and distributing the magazine, as well as writing critical articles and interviews. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted under Article 190-1 of the RSFSR Criminal Code and sentenced to three years in a general regime labor camp.

Second Arrest and Intensified Punishment

Two days before the end of his first sentence, Ageev was rearrested and given an additional three years for critical remarks and letters he wrote from prison. He refused to request a pardon, despite pressure from the administration.

Post-Imprisonment and Advocacy for Prison Reform

After his release in December 1985, Ageev focused on establishing organizations dedicated to reforming the Soviet and later post-Soviet prison system. He became involved in various initiatives, including "Prison and Freedom," the "Public Center for Humanization of the Penitentiary System," and the "Public Center for Assistance to Criminal Justice Reform."

Legacy as a Human Rights Activist

Ageev continues to be an advocate for prisoners' rights. He produces the weekly radio program "Clouds" for inmates, publishes articles in various media, and supports human rights initiatives. His work has played a significant role in raising awareness of the plight of prisoners and advocating for systemic improvements.