That's how Soviet "justice" worked. He was a powerful member of the leadership, so he could only be taken down by accusing him of being a counter-revolutionary

That's how Soviet "justice" worked. He was a powerful member of the leadership, so he could only be taken down by accusing him of being a counter-revolutionary. As to crimes against individuals, or humanity? Pfft, to Stalin and his cohorts there's no such thing when the crimes are to further the revolution. If you think I exaggerate, I assure you I do not. Lenin and his bunch -and Stalin more so later- were all bloodthirsty thugs who thought nothing of individuals outside their immediate orbit.