A Statesman of Conscience: Remembering Václav Havel

The Velvet Revolution's Gentle Giant

Václav Havel, the former president of Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic, passed away on December 18th, 2011. He was 75 years old. Havel was a playwright, essayist, human rights activist, and dissident before becoming a politician. He was a key figure in the Velvet Revolution, which led to the overthrow of communism in Czechoslovakia in 1989. Havel served as president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992, and of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003.

A Life of Dissent and Activism

Havel was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1936. His father was a wealthy businessman, and his mother was a journalist. Havel studied drama and literature at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague but was expelled for his political activism. He began writing plays in the 1960s, many of which were banned by the communist government. In 1977, Havel co-founded Charter 77, a human rights group that criticized the communist government and called for respect for human rights and civil liberties. For this, Havel was arrested and imprisoned for five years.

Havel's Legacy

Havel was a symbol of hope and freedom for people around the world. He was a man of great courage and conviction, who always spoke out for what he believed in, even when it was dangerous. Havel's writings and speeches inspired people around the world to fight for their freedom and democracy. Havel's legacy is one of hope and courage. He showed us that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to stand up for what we believe in and fight for a better future.