Trnava Region honours those who did not betray the truth — four laureates unbroken by the communist regime

On the occasion of the Day of Freedom and Democracy, the Trnava Self-Governing Region conferred the Anton Srholec Freedom Award for the seventh time. The award went to four laureates united by courage, integrity and steadfastness in the face of totalitarian power.

The President of the Trnava Self-Governing Region, Jozef Viskupič, said: “This year’s laureates fought against communist totalitarianism and, by their example, showed the way to freedom. For us, presenting the Freedom Award is an expression of recognition and respect for these people and their stories, and at the same time a call on all of us to carry forward the spirit of November 1989.”

The 2025 laureates are: sociologist, diplomat and civic activist Martin Bútora; historian and dissident Jozef Jablonický (in memoriam); Franciscan Provincial Fidél Ambróz Jurčovič (in memoriam); and Catholic priest Károly Lénár (in memoriam).

Martin Bútora embodies democratic culture and civic courage. As a sociologist and former Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States, he contributed to Slovakia’s accession to NATO and has long been an independent voice of civil society.

Jozef Jablonický, a historian, refused to distort historical interpretations to suit the demands of the communist regime. He suffered persecution for his scholarly integrity and moral principles, yet never gave up on the truth.

Father Fidél Ambróz Jurčovič endured years of persecution, imprisonment and forced labour while keeping his faith and determination. After 1989 he restored Franciscan religious life in Slovakia.

Monsignor Károly Lénár was imprisoned for refusing to collaborate with the communist regime. Nevertheless, he remained devoted to his priestly vocation and built communities rooted in faith and solidarity.