That’s pretty much what I expected

I don’t think it’s helpful to say “I’m not surprised,” we shouldn’t assume everyone knows what we know. Some people, especially younger ones, may not be aware of the gulag system at all.

Aren’t penal colony and gulag interchangeable terms?

I’m sorry, is this somehow a revelation? “Direct heir” they say… There is a very good chance that “penal colony” is a former Gulag.