Language:
English
Year of publication:
2004
Titel der Quelle:
Human Rights Review
Angaben zur Quelle:
5,3 (2004) 50-61
Keywords:
Hilsner, Leopold,
;
Masaryk, T. G.
;
Antisemitism History 1800-2000
;
Jews
;
Blood accusation
;
Polná (Jihomoravský kraj, Czech Republic)
Abstract:
Discusses the ritual murder trial of the Czech Jew Leopold Hilsner in September 1899. He was sentenced to death; in 1901 the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and in 1918 Hilsner was pardoned. Contends that the trial and consequent developments became a significant historical event with the emergence of Tomas G. Masaryk as the most prominent critic of the trial and of ritual murder accusations. He published two brochures - in November 1899 and in 1900 - showing discrepancies in the police investigation, in witness statements, and in the trial proceedings. He also criticized the case in political and literary forums. Masaryk subsequently spoke out against all discrimination based on religious, ethnic, or racial grounds. Deals, also, with the antisemitic atmosphere in Bohemia at the turn of the century.
Note:
Appeared also in "Jews on Trial" (2005) 49-67.
URL:
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