Controversial Soviet Secret Police Founder's Statue Returns to Russian Spy Headquarters
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A statue of Felix Dzerzhinsky, founder of the Soviet secret police, was unveiled at Russia's foreign spy headquarters.
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Dzerzhinsky oversaw the repressive system under Stalin and is a controversial figure, hated by dissidents but admired by Russia's spies.
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His statue in Moscow was toppled when the Soviet Union fell in 1991, so its return signals increased repression under Putin.
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Russia's spy chief praised Dzerzhinsky as an inspiration and moral guide for generations of security agents.
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As head of early Soviet intelligence agencies, Dzerzhinsky spearheaded the "Red Terror" against opponents using ruthless, violent tactics.