Anti-communist fighter commemorated

A commemorative plaque honouring late anti-communist resistance fighter Milan Paumer was unveiled in a special ceremony on Saturday in the courtyard of the castle in Poděbrady. Mr Paumer died was part of the controversial Mašín group that shot its way out of communist Czechoslovakia in the 1950s, claiming several lives; he died two years ago at the age of 79. The ceremony on Saturday included a performance of classical music, as well as songs by Barbara Streisand and Věra Špinarová and the Czech anthem. Notable military historian Eduard Stehlík suggested that the commemorative plaque might be the first dignified memorial to a Mašín group member in the country.

Author: Jan Velinger