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Stalin's paranoia deepened following Kirov's death. He perceived threats everywhere, particularly from within the Communist Party ranks. In 1935, a wave of purging against suspected enemies began with the expulsion of individuals deemed disloyal, followed by the infamous show trials starting in 1936. These trials, including the first Moscow Trial, became a sinister tool for eliminating political rivals. The process was marred by coerced confessions through torture, with defendants, including high-ranking former allies, confessing to crimes they did not commit, including alleged plots against Stalin's life.