Well, again, this may change. But, none of the tormented characters are gulag commandants, KVD agents or any such stuff; they are just guys what take small bribes. Now I realize corruption is a major issue in a period of widespread starvation and privation, but the housing association chairman only accepted Prof. Woloch's cash to bolster the association's low fuel budget for the coming winter - the only thing he wanted for himself was two free theater tickets! Now I don't excuse corruption, but that's not taking food out of anyone's mouth and it hardly merits being framed for the secret police and driven insane.