Catholic priest and former dissident František Lízna dies at 79

František Lízna, a Catholic priest and Charter 77 signatory, has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by the Olomouc Archbishopric on Thursday evening. František Lízna was born in 1941 and was a sworn anti-Communist from his early childhood. He was arrested and imprisoned on several occasions.

Between his prison stays he found employment wherever possible, working in the social and health services while actively participating in the dissident efforts of Charter 77.

He was ordained to priesthood in 1974, but was not given state permission to provide spiritual services until the fall of the Communist regime. Mr Lízna has received many awards, including the Order of T. G. Masaryk.