Nikolai Yezhov
Russian police officer and politician
Born
May 1st, 1895
130 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1940
85 years ago — 44 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Russia
Links & References
Served as a key figure in the Soviet secret police, Yezhov rose to prominence during the Great Purge initiated by Joseph Stalin. Played a crucial role in orchestrating widespread repression, leading to the arrest and execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state. His tenure marked an intensification of state terror in the late 1930s, known for implementing harsh measures against dissent, including the extensive use of show trials. Eventually fell from favor, leading to his arrest and execution in 1940 as part of the ongoing purges.
Led the NKVD during the Great Purge
Implemented policies resulting in mass arrests
Oversaw the execution of numerous political dissidents
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