This article provides a historical account of the abuse of psychiatry for political purposes and the involvement of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) in this issue. The article focuses, particularly, on the developments from 1983 to 1989, which in many ways was crucial and determined the future of the WPA. The authors (the first, the President and the second, the Treasurer of the WPA during this period) pay tribute to Dr. Fini Schulsinger, who served as Secretary General. Through his eminent administrative capabilities, his profound understanding of ethical problems and his devotion to the basic principles of the WPA, he has substantially contributed to successfully overcoming a deep crisis with considerable impact on the identity and the moral foundations of the psychiatric profession.