Russia / Soviet Union: Felix Dzerzhinsky (1877–1926) seated, centre, with members of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission, Moscow, 1919

Felix Dzerzhinsky is best known for establishing and developing the Soviet secret police forces; serving as their director from 1917 to 1926. Later he was a member of the Soviet government heading several commissariats; while being the chief of the Soviet secret police.

The Cheka soon became notorious for mass summary executions; performed especially during the Red Terror and the Russian Civil War.

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Pictures From History