Tributes paid to Václav Havel on fifth anniversary of his death

Commemorations have been held across the Czech Republic for former dissident and president Václav Havel. Havel died five years ago to the day at the age of 75. A commemorative mass was held at St. Vitus’ Cathedral by Prague archbishop Dominik Duka. Duka paid tribute to Havel saying that he did not seek power but did seek to restore freedom to the country. Havel took the lead of the Velvet Revolution in 1989 which toppled the Communist regime from power after more than four decades. A public reading of Havel’s works and plays was held in the centre of Prague. Candles were also lit in the centre of the capital and at the Prague cemetery where his ashes rest. An illuminated heart was lit at a small square near the national theatre in Prague which now bears Havel’s name.

Author: Chris Johnstone