Open access to Soviet repression archives

Starting from 4 July 2025, citizens of the Republic of Moldova can have full access to all files of the Soviet political repressions, thanks to the efforts of the National Archives Agency (ANA). In total, over 50,000 files, which contain information on about 100,000 victims of the communist totalitarian regime, are available either online or by direct presentation at the institution's headquarters.

According to ANA, this openness represents a moral reparation and a long-awaited form of symbolic justice. The files transferred in the last two years (60% of the existing total) come from the archives of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). These complete the 20,000 files transferred earlier, in the period 2010–2015.

To facilitate access, ANA has created a digital platform where lists of all available files can be found: https://doc.arhiva.gov.md/repres.php. Interested parties—whether victims of repression, relatives, or researchers—can send a request to the address secretariat@arhiva.gov.md or can show up directly without an appointment at the agency's headquarters.

ANA warns that the files may contain sensitive, sometimes traumatizing information about shattered destinies, destroyed families, and cases of betrayal. The institution urges a mature and responsible approach, reminding that the blame belongs to the Soviet regime, not to those forced to survive within the system.

In parallel, ANA has also launched a new edition of Train of Pain exhibition at the Great National Assembly Square.