On December 25, 1901, a political force and champion of women’s rights was born in Prague. Milada Horakova grew up to become an advocate for Democracy, a member of the Socialist Party, and a household name that made a permanent mark on Czechoslovak history. Horakova earned her doctorate in law from Prague’s famous Charles University at a time when few women were allowed such privilege, and became active in the women’s emancipation movements thereafter. She was a staunch advocate for women’s rights as a member of the National Women’s Counsel in the 1930s. After earning her law degree, Horakova joined the Prague City Administration, promoting reforms aimed at women’s equality.
The year of 1938 was difficult for Czechoslovakia. After several years of fighting off both the Communist and Nazi party, the country was in a state of turmoil. With few options left, there was finally no choice but for Czechoslovakia to sign the Munich Agreement. Seeing her country's distress, Horakova joined the Resistance against Hitler. Horakova was a revolutionary, fighting tirelessly for the cause. Her efforts included helping emigrants escape the country and hiding individuals facing prosecution. Refusing to hide in the shadows, Horakova took to the streets providing leaflets on political enlightenment.
Horakova and her husband were eventually arrested by the Gestapo. After countless hours of interrogation and torture, it was clear they would not be broken. Horakova was first incarcerated for two years in Terezin prison, then moved to do forced labor at an underground munitions factory in Leipzig. After some time, she was sent to a women’s prison in Germany. Initially sentenced to the death penalty, Horakova was later pardoned to eight years in prison. She was freed by Americans in 1945.
Never one to be deterred from a fight, Horakova immediately returned to Prague and politics. She advocated for political pluralism, as she believed it guaranteed everyone freedom. She continued her work in the Czechoslovak National Socialist Party and even became a member of the Prague Parliament. Horakova continued her human right’s work as chair on the Council of Czechoslovak Women and remained active in the Union of Liberated Political Prisoners.
After returning to the Resistance, Horakova was once again arrested. Accused of an Anti-Soviet Conspiracy, she was sentenced to death for treason, espionage, and subversive behavior. Protest telegrams in Horakova’s defense came from all over the world. Individuals including Einstein, Bertrand Russel, Winston Churchill and Elenor Roosevelt demanded her release, to no avail.
Milada Horakova was executed on June 27th, 1950 in Prague by the Communist party, after a stalinist-style show trial. Horakova is commemorated yearly at the Museum Kampa for her bravery and dedicated fight for justice.
Written by: Kelsey McDade