Diagnosis: Dissent

I was aware of punitive psychiatry during the Soviet era, but while watching this film and experiencing the specific story of one of the individuals who ended up in it (according to official data, there were over 2 million), I felt chills running down my spine. How cruel, aggressive, and terrifying this Soviet machine was. Punitive psychiatry still exists in Russia and in Crimea.

There is still so much we don't know about what happened during the Soviet era; their KGB worked very effectively, covering everything up and eliminating witnesses. But punitive psychiatry is just one form of "treatment," involving the beating and torture of those who disagreed with the Soviet regime. The film is incredible; it evokes deep emotions and empathy for everyone who ends up in this hell. It's a must-watch!