Former actress and communist politician Jiřina Švorcová dies, aged 83

Former actress Jiřina Švorcová has died in Prague after succumbing to a prolonged illness. The 83-year-old is best known today as a firebrand communist, remaining loyal to that party even after the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Švorcová was a part of Prague’s Vinohrady Theatre for many years before reaching broader national attention in the title role of the television series Žena za pultem (The Saleswoman). In 1976, she became a member of the Communist party’s broader leadership and in 1977 she delivered an infamous address denouncing the human rights manifesto Charter 77. Her death was announced on Monday by the chairman of the Communist Party.