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| Sunday, 5 September 2004 |
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Remembering Julius Fucik : Sept. 8 - International Day of Journalist Solidarity by S. H. A. Careem September 8, 1943, presaged the victory over fascism. It was the day of a decisive victory over German fascists in the battle of Kursk and the day when fascist Italy capitulated. But it was also a day of sorrow. The Nazi executioners dragged Czechoslovak journalist Julius Fucik to the guillotine and cut off his head. They knew what they were doing. It was clear that Julius Fucik, who even in prison did not cease fighting and used the word as a weapon, as a few others could was an irreconcilable fighter against fascism and for a new world. That was why he had to die. And so it has remained our duty to study his life, his teachings, his legacy and not forget a single sentence. What he fought for so passionately, why he went with head high to his death is what millions of people are continuing to fight for today. Journalist Fucik became the greatest teacher of many generations of journalists. One of his most important teachings was - there is no such animal as a neutral journalist, a journalist who stands above things. Anyone who has chosen this profession must exercise it as a vital calling, must choose the side on which he stands, must learn to seek and recognise the new. The day the fascists entered Prague marked the beginning of the most difficult test in life for Fucik. He was arrested in the summer of 1942 and inhumanly tortured. During the last period of his life he wrote his last and greatest report - in the real sense of the word - from the gallows. Every sheet of paper he was able to obtain and to smuggle out - fully written on - is an invaluable document. Each of these papers is evidence not only of what he experienced but also about the methods used by the enemy. The instructions and knowledge contained in the report have not lost anything, not for a single day, in their topicality and effectiveness. In one place Fucik wrote why he had undertaken such a difficult struggle, why he embarked upon all these hardships, and why he risked his own life, because as he says, we lived for joy, for joy we entered the struggle, and for joy we are dying. Therefore never let sorrow be associated with our names. And he also told us that people cannot be simply classified according to the categories of good and evil. He also added a request: "You who will survive these times, do not forget! Do not forget the good or the bad. Patiently gather evidence about the fallen. One day, today will be the past, there will be talk about a great age and about nameless heroes who created history. I want you to know that there were no nameless heroes, that all these people had their names, their faces, then longings and their hopes." Julius Fucik was born in Prague in 1903. His father was a metal worker and mother a seamstress. The young lad inherited the love of music and singing and in particular showed marked talent for the theatre. It was at the age of 12 that he first launched out as a journalist - with himself as editor. His first periodical called 'Slovan', was written entirely by himself and appeared in one issue in a school exercise book. It carried official communiques from Vienna news from abroad, commentataries on social conditions, a literary page, theatre news, sports news and advertisements. Fucik's famous report from the gallows has so far been translated into ninety languages. This was the book that Fidel Castro called `a beautiful report that shook our world and inspired revolutionaries'. This book is considered as one of the most emotional literary testimonies. Fucik sent his message to all those living, to all those as yet unborn, his fiery call. People be on your guard!. He gave this message in foreboding of death, but in the name of life, so that man whatever language of this planet he speak, might never allow a repetition of such a monstrous thing as Hitler's Fascism. The day of Fucik's execution was proclaimed International Day of Journalist Solidarity. To honour the memory of this legendary fighter for life and peace, against fascism and war, the International Organisation of Journalists awards the Julius Fucik Medal of Honour for outstanding contributions to the cause of peace, cooperation and understanding among nations. This exceptional honour has already been given to more than 100 outstanding journalists from 40 countries of the world. Fucik's famous appeal: 'People I loved you. Be on your guard is known and is remembered today by hundreds of millions of people. He was executed at the age of 40. |
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