Government Concedes to Dissidents’ Hunger Strike Demands, Withdraws Resolution on Charter 77

In a significant turn of events, Jiri Gruntorad and John Bok concluded their hunger strike, which lasted over a week outside the Government Office, after the government acceded to their demands. The protestors were advocating for higher pensions for former opponents of the Communist regime, highlighting the stark disparity compared to pensions received by former StB communist secret police officers and functionaries. Government spokesperson Vaclav Smolka revealed that Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet, in response to the hunger strikers’ plea, revoked the resolution supporting the traditions of the Charter 77 human rights movement.

Jiri Gruntorad, a 71-year-old Charter 77 signatory, and founder of the Libri Prohibiti library of samizdat and exile literature, initiated the hunger strike on November 17, the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. Alongside addressing pension issues, Gruntorad had called for the resignation of Labor and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurecka. The government’s decision to withdraw the resolution was received in writing, prompting the hunger strikers to dismantle their encampment outside the Government Office.

The government, while emphasizing its commitment to addressing the historical injustice faced by dissidents, clarified that the withdrawal of the resolution does not signify abandonment of the Charter 77 legacy. The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Fiala, has pledged to prepare proposals for the legal regulation of pensions by December 15. This legislative initiative aims to ensure dignified pensions and adequate security in old age for individuals certified as participants in the anti-Communist resistance.

The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (USTR) issued a statement recognizing the government’s fulfillment of its program statement concerning the reduction of pensions for prominent Communists and its focus on resolving pensions for dissidents and their families. The proposed law, expected to be a pivotal step in rectifying historical injustices, will address the low pensions resulting from imprisonment, forced emigration, and employment limitations.

Charter 77, a movement striving to uphold human rights commitments made in the 1975 Helsinki Accords, faced opposition from the Communist regime. The government’s acknowledgment of the dissidents’ concerns and the commitment to legislative action reflects a pivotal moment in rectifying historical grievances against those who fought for freedom despite persecution and adversity.

Article by Prague Forum

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