The NKVD - MVD of the USSR as a governing body of the places of deprivation of liberty in the post-war period (1945-1956)

The study discusses the institutional and structural development of the People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs-the Ministry of Internal Affairs (NKVD - MVD) of the USSR as a crucial Soviet body administrating the places of deprivation of liberty in the post-war period. The purpose of the study is to analyze the laws, regulations, and archives and reveal the aspects of governing the penal system of the USSR by the above-mentioned body in 1945-1956. In this regard, it is necessary to analyze the government resolutions on structuring the NKVD - MVD of the USSR and transforming the places of deprivation of liberty; demonstrate the reasons for the creation of special forced labor camps; describe the incarceration conditions in camps and colonies; identify the legal status of the Main Camp Administration (GULAG). The author used the principle of historicism, the dialectical, systemic, logical, formal and legal research methods. Following the end of the Great Patriotic War, many deserters, traitors, and Nazi supporters were imprisoned. It was reflected in the structure of the Central Office of the NKVD - MVD of the USSR and the creation of special camps. Besides, the Soviet state resolved to foster the economic exploitation of prisoners because of the post-war dislocation. At the same time, being one of the major and largely autonomous units of the NKVD - MVD of the USSR, the Gulag took the charge of forced labor camps and colonies. In conclusion, the study assesses the institutional and structural changes in the internal affairs agencies, in particular the mid-1950s transformations that have led to the abolition of the GULAG.