Alojz Lenkavský

“Well, at the Košice State Security department it proceeded in different ways. Truncheons on my head, of course, on my arms, taking of the shoes, then the concrete, sticks in between the thumbs, striking the thumbs and a hand… They also used to put pins under one´s nails… This is what they used to do and had special people trained just for this.”

“In Bratislava I couldn´t stand that walking. As I only walked, it was fine, but as soon as I began to count, I realized that I´m probably becoming crazy. So I said to myself with such a strong will: “You can´t count. You will just stand, you mustn´t walk.” Because, I say, that was the beginning. There were many cases that people got insane as in the prison weird inhuman voices could be heard. We could hear it in Bratislava prison. It was like it can be heard only in the jungle… And they dragged the insane people away.”

“They brought me into that room and began to treat me more harshly, they started with beating. But the man who was there, probably the “ŠtBák” [State Security member] wasn´t much up to beating and therefore he called another one, who asked me: “So, will you talk?” And I answered: “I have nothing to talk about, I haven´t done anything wrong.” “Well, if you won´t, then try to recall!” And he battered me again. When the other man came after beating me he asked: “Do they treat you well over here?” I said: “No, they are beating me.” “Yeah, are they beating you? Well, then good if they beat you.” He went behind the door; the other ŠtBák exchanged him and kept asking: “So, do they beat you?” And I didn´t say a word since I was completely beaten. I stared at him for a while, but I said nothing.”