1917 Education of the Cheka

A hundred years ago, on December 20, 1917, by a decree of the Council of People's Commissars, the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage was formed, which became the main weapon of the "Red Terror". The Cheka was instructed to "pursue and liquidate all counter-revolutionary and sabotage attempts and actions throughout Russia, no matter who they come from" and "pay first of all attention to the press, saboteurs and strikers. Measures: confiscation, expulsion, deprivation of cards, publication of lists enemies of the people, etc."