the Siberian exile system

The Siberian exile system, primarily used in Russia from the 18th to early 20th centuries, involved sending criminals and political dissidents to remote areas in Siberia as punishment. This was often seen as a way to remove undesirable individuals from society while also utilizing their labor for state projects. Exiles faced harsh conditions, including severe weather and scarce resources, making survival challenging. The system reflected broader social and political repression in Russia, as many exiled individuals were intellectuals and reformers who opposed the government. Over time, it became synonymous with punishment and human rights abuses.