Ovsienko's Third Arrest and Release from Soviet Labor Colonies
The struggle for political expression in the Soviet Union often led to repeated cycles of imprisonment. For Ovsienko, this cycle culminated in a third arrest just six months before his scheduled release, triggered by his open discussions regarding the Holodomor—the man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine.
Imprisonment at Perm-36
Following his sentencing for anti-Soviet agitation, Ovsienko was transferred to the Perm-36 labour colony. This facility was notorious for its crowded and unsanitary conditions. During his time there, he was incarcerated alongside other political dissidents, including those convicted in connection with the Dymshits–Kuznetsov hijacking affair, a plot to seize a plane to escape the USSR.
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The Impact of Perestroika and Transfer to Perm-35
The political landscape began to shift under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, who introduced Perestroika—a series of political and economic reforms intended to modernize the Soviet system. As a result of these reforms, Ovsienko and all other political prisoners at Perm-36 were moved to the Perm-35 prison on December 8, 1987.
While at Perm-35, authorities urged Ovsienko to write a formal statement to provide grounds for a pardon. Believing his conviction was wrongful, Ovsienko refused to comply, joining several other political prisoners in this act of defiance.
Release and Return to Ukraine
Despite his refusal to submit a statement, Ovsienko was pardoned a year later. He was one of the final five prisoners released from the facility, alongside Mykola Horbal, Ivan Kandyba, M. Alekseyev, and Enn Tarto.
On August 21, 1988, Ovsienko flew from Perm to Kyiv. Although he was originally slated for transfer to Lukyanivska Prison, he was instead held at the KGB headquarters. He was released a day later, allowing him to return to Zhytomyr and eventually reach Lenino.
Honoring Fallen Comrades
Ovsienko's journey with the Perm-36 colony did not end with his freedom. One year after his release, he returned to the site to participate in the reburials of Vasyl Stus, Yuriy Lytvyn, and Oleksa Tykhy—three fellow prisoners who had died while serving their sentences at the colony.
Key Facts
- Cause of Third Arrest: Openly discussing the Holodomor, leading to charges of anti-Soviet agitation.
- Primary Locations: Perm-36 labour colony and Perm-35 prison.
- Key Reform: Perestroika, led by Mikhail Gorbachev, facilitated the movement and eventual release of political prisoners.
- Release Date: August 1988.
- Final Five: Ovsienko was among the last five released, including Mykola Horbal, Ivan Kandyba, M. Alekseyev, and Enn Tarto.
| Date/Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Six months before release | Third arrest for anti-Soviet agitation | Perm-36 |
| December 8, 1987 | Transfer of political prisoners | Perm-35 |
| August 21, 1988 | Flight to Kyiv and KGB detention | Kyiv |
| August 22, 1988 | Final release and return home | Zhytomyr / Lenino |
| 1989 | Participation in reburials | Perm-36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ovsienko arrested for a third time?
He was sentenced for anti-Soviet agitation because he openly discussed the Holodomor.
What was the significance of Perm-36?
Perm-36 was a labour colony known for unsanitary and crowded conditions where Ovsienko and other political prisoners, including those from the Dymshits–Kuznetsov hijacking affair, were held.
Did Ovsienko have to apologize to be pardoned?
No. Although urged to write a statement to justify a pardon, Ovsienko refused because he believed his conviction was wrongful; he was pardoned regardless.
Who were the other prisoners released with Ovsienko?
He was among the final five released, which included Mykola Horbal, Ivan Kandyba, M. Alekseyev, and Enn Tarto.
Why did Ovsienko return to Perm-36 after his release?
He returned a year after his release to participate in the reburials of Vasyl Stus, Yuriy Lytvyn, and Oleksa Tykhy, who had died while imprisoned there.