Journalist Martin Milan Šimečka to receive František Kriegel Award

Slovak writer and journalist Martin Milan Šimečka is to receive the František Kriegel Award for civic courage, handed out annually by the Charter 77 Foundation. The Czech-born journalist was selected for his longstanding advocacy of democratic principles and for his critical, independent journalism.

František Kriegel, a Charter 77 signatory, was the only Czechoslovak politician who refused to sign a document “legitimising” the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. The award ceremony is due to take place in June.

According to representatives of the Charter 77 Foundation, Mr. Šimečka found himself in opposition to the current Slovak government following Peter Pellegrini's victory in the presidential elections.