Final answer:
Ivan Askionov was accused of criticizing the Soviet government, which led to his arrest and imprisonment. Dissent and criticism were not tolerated during the Stalinist era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ivan Askionov was accused of criticizing the newly formed Soviet government, which led to his arrest and imprisonment. During the Stalinist era, it was common for individuals who voiced any form of dissent or criticism to be accused of being spies or enemies of the state.
Askionov's case is similar to that of Vsevolod Meyerhold, a well-known director, who was also arrested and tortured for criticizing the government. The Soviet regime was intolerant of any dissent and viewed intellectuals and members of the intelligentsia as potential threats.
Ultimately, the accusation against Askionov and others like him was a way for the government to maintain control and suppress any opposition or criticism.