Václav Havel - Intervju för HRIC (Human Rights in China)

Sharon Hom: I thought we might start by looking back at the former Czechoslovakia in 1977; could you share some of the challenges that the Charter 77 movement faced? We’re particularly interested in examples of international action that you found, at that time, helpful both to you and to the Charter 77 movement.

Václav Havel: The Charter 77 people, I myself, and all political prisoners enjoyed political support and solidarity that were very helpful because they gave us a sense of purpose for doing our work. I think the support and solidarity were important for two reasons. First, it is important to encourage the political prisoners and to make sure that they know that they are not by themselves, that the world knows about them, and that the work [they are doing] has a certain meaning. And the other important reason is that this action makes the government know it can’t just do whatever it wishes.
That’s why it’s up to us—who have lived through those times and those experiences, [whose] conditions have changed now that we have been released—to be among the first ones to show solidarity with those who are persecuted for the same reasons