 Czech foreign minister Jiri Dienstbier adjusts his glases during a press conference in Prague. AP photo |
Jiri Dienstbier, the reporter turned dissident who joined Vaclav Havel to help topple one of East Europe's most repressive regimes - and then served under Havel in Czechoslovakia's first government - died Saturday. He was 73.
News of his death was announced by Czech public television and his assistant, who said Dienstbier died in a Prague hospital. They did not specify the cause of death.
"A friend of mine for many years has died," Havel said in a poignant farewell statement. "We experienced so much together."
Dienstbier secured his place in history for his prominent role in the dissident movement led by Havel that agitated for observance of human rights during the dying years of Soviet power in Eastern Europe.
News of his death was announced by Czech public television and his assistant, who said Dienstbier died in a Prague hospital. They did not specify the cause of death.
"A friend of mine for many years has died," Havel said in a poignant farewell statement. "We experienced so much together."
Dienstbier secured his place in history for his prominent role in the dissident movement led by Havel that agitated for observance of human rights during the dying years of Soviet power in Eastern Europe.
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