One-time dissident on hunger strike over low pensions of opponents of communist regime

A one-time dissident, Jiří Gruntorád, has gone on hunger strike outside the Office of the Government in Prague, demanding the resignation of the minister of labour and social affairs, Marian Jurečka. Mr. Gruntorád is protesting against the fact that people who actively resisted the Communist regime are today on low old age pensions. He began his protest on Friday and says he is ready to keep up the protest for three months.

Mr. Jurečka said in spring that his officials would look into the matter.

Those who opposed the Communists have low pensions for reasons such as imprisonment, forced emigration or not being allowed to work in their chosen professions; many were only allowed to do menial jobs.