This document is a joint letter issued by Charter 77 and the Polish Committee for Social Self-Defense (KSS-KOR) addressed to human rights defenders across Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Drafted during the first historic meeting of these two civic initiatives on the Czechoslovak-Polish border in July 1978, the letter conveys deep solidarity and respect for those fighting for freedom and human dignity against authoritarian power. The signatories, including prominent figures like Václav Havel, Jacek Kuroň, and Adam Michnik, express explicit support for imprisoned activists such as Rudolf Bahro, Yuri Orlov, and Anatoly Shcharansky. They emphasize that the nations within the Soviet bloc share a common destiny, necessitating a unified struggle for civil rights. The text represents a pivotal milestone in the history of Central European dissent, marking the formalization of cross-border cooperation between democratic movements. By joining forces, these activists sought to challenge state arbitrariness and foster a future where citizens could live without fear, ultimately aiming for systemic improvements throughout the Eastern Bloc.
Dokument Charty 77 č. 63
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◆ dokument of Charter 77, Czech, origin: 27. 7. 1978
- in: Charta 77: Dokumenty 1977–1989. Svazek 1, Praha: Ústav pro soudobé dějiny, 2007, p. 161