Josef Mašín, anti-communist resistance figure, dies at 94

Josef Mašín, a prominent figure in the anti-communist resistance, has died at the age of 94 in Santa Barbara, California. He was the last surviving member of the trio that famously fought their way through East Germany to reach West Berlin in 1953.

Mašín was the son of General Josef Mašín, a resistance fighter against Nazi occupation who was executed by the Germans in 1942. Following the communist takeover in Czechoslovakia, the younger Mašín and his brother Ctirad formed an armed group to oppose the regime. Their activities, which included sabotages and raids to obtain weapons, resulted in several deaths, including police officers and a civilian.

His legacy remains deeply divisive in Czech society. Supporters view him as a hero who risked everything to fight totalitarianism, while critics condemn the group for the loss of life during their operations. Various Czech politicians, including former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek and current officials, have issued tributes to his memory.