KGB and the system of society controll
ENThe phenomenon of “the Iron curtain” first of all was related with the system of controlling dissemination of information (and presentation of misinformation) and the social mobility, as well as with the formation of a system, which controlled communication with foreign countries. For a long time “the Iron curtain” was considered the frontier of the Soviet Union, and single runaways, as well as information about the real situation in the country, crimes of state institutions and violation of human rights could not cross it. But “the Iron curtain” began much farther from the frontier which in Lithuania near the Baltic Sea and near Poland was protected by two frontier troops and about ten agents and “reliable people” were to be found in every kilometre of the frontier. The control mechanisms were created in every sphere of relations with foreign countries: science, technology, tourism, private travels, etc. The State Security Committee (KGB), the Communist Party of Lithuania (CPL), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs played a very important role in this control machinery. Because of the absence of democratic control mechanisms, and because of the one-party governing system, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was an important part of the Soviet system of controlling society which also guaranteed functioning of “the Iron curtain”. This ministry could turn its potential at any time towards direction indicated by the Communist Party ideologists: “prevention of antisocial way of life” could be turned into persecution of nonconformist youth, the home business of people tired from shortage of goods – into “income obtained not from work” and “avoidance of work of social utility”, the struggle with idleness – into administrative persecution of dissidents who were dismissed, the training of the army for actions in special situations – into violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrations.
