FM Lipavský honours Polish dissident Michnik for promoting Czech Republic abroad

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský awarded the Gratias Agit prize to Polish historian and dissident Adam Michnik at Prague’s Czernin Palace on Thursday. Michnik was recognised for his support of Czechoslovak dissidents before 1989 and his strong commitment to democracy and human rights.

Minister Lipavský also highlighted Michnik’s 1989 role as a Polish MP when he proposed a resolution apologising for Poland’s involvement in the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Since 1997, the Foreign Ministry has awarded Gratias Agit to individuals and organisations who promote the Czech Republic internationally, regardless of nationality. About 400 have been honoured so far.