Ivan Mačura

“We abolished the Communist Party at our Faculty during the first week (of the Velvet Revolution – note. ed.). The 17th of November was Friday, on Saturday we were adapting to new situation, on Sunday the movement began at Student Dormitory Zobor and from Monday it all went ahead. On Wednesday we announced abolition of dominance of the Communist Party at the Faculty. The members stood up and handed me over their abdication letters. And I asked them ʻWhy me, why are you addressing your letters to me?’”

“In 1970 evaluations of all adults in Czechoslovakia began. There were a few millions of us and we were inspected in one year. During each evaluation a key question was asked: ʻWhat’s your attitude toward the military invasion (of Warsaw Pact Troops – note ed.)?’ Those who agreed with the invasion were free to go, but many (e.g. religious believers) were against it. However, it was a great test of one's character there. Even those who surrendered but internally were against it, had to live with that burden for the rest of their life. Those who opposed were without hesitation dismissed from employment. As a result of the evaluation at our school, sixty three educationists out of hundred and fifty were being sanctioned. Thirteen people lost their jobs.”

“If people were monitored by the State Security, nobody wanted to talk to them. That happened to my father after he was released from prison. As he was walking on the street, his friend saw him and rather crossed the street to avoid speaking to him. Even though he knew he couldn’t be under surveillance at that time, after all, the State Security had many other duties than to constantly monitor regular citizens, nevertheless, people were afraid of any kind of contact.”