Anatoly Koryagin

Russian psychiatrist and Soviet dissident

Anatoly Koryagin in 1987

Anatoly Ivanovich Koryagin (born 1938) is a Russian psychiatrist and former Soviet dissident known for his opposition to the political abuse of psychiatry in the Soviet Union. His work and activism brought international attention to the misuse of psychiatric institutions for political purposes.

Early Life and Education

Anatoly Koryagin was born in 1938 in the Soviet Union. He pursued a career in medicine, specializing in psychiatry. Koryagin graduated from medical school and began his practice as a psychiatrist, where he developed a keen interest in the ethical implications of psychiatric treatment.

Career and Activism

Koryagin became increasingly aware of the political abuse of psychiatry in the Soviet Union, where individuals were often diagnosed with mental illnesses for political reasons and confined to psychiatric hospitals. This practice was used to silence dissent and punish those who opposed the Soviet regime.

In the late 1970s, Koryagin began to speak out against these abuses. He was involved with the Moscow Helsinki Group, an organization that monitored Soviet compliance with the Helsinki Accords, which included provisions on human rights.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1981, Koryagin was arrested by Soviet authorities and charged with "anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda." He was sentenced to seven years in a labor camp followed by five years of internal exile. His arrest and imprisonment drew international condemnation and highlighted the plight of political prisoners in the Soviet Union.

During his imprisonment, Koryagin continued to advocate for human rights and the ethical practice of psychiatry. His case was taken up by various international human rights organizations, and he became a symbol of resistance against the misuse of psychiatry.

Release and Later Life

Koryagin was released from prison in 1987, during the period of perestroika and glasnost under Mikhail Gorbachev. After his release, he continued to work as a psychiatrist and remained active in human rights advocacy.

Anatoly Koryagin in 1988

Legacy

Anatoly Koryagin's efforts have been recognized internationally, and he has received several awards for his contributions to human rights and the ethical practice of psychiatry. His work has inspired many in the field of psychiatry to uphold ethical standards and resist political pressures.

Related Pages

• Political abuse of psychiatry in the Soviet Union
• Moscow Helsinki Group
• Helsinki Accords
• Perestroika
• Glasnost