Anti-Soviet dissident and Ukrainian independence icon Stepan Khmara dies at 86
Hero of Ukraine, dissident, and politician Stepan Khmara has died at the age of 86, his wife Rocksolyana Khmara reported on Facebook on Feb. 21.
A few days ago, Stepan Khmara was hospitalized. His wife said, "We all did everything we could and even more."
"We wanted him to be with us so much when our victory was announced," the Facebook post reads.
“He loved Ukraine and Ukrainians so much. He tore his heart and soul for it.”
Stepan Khmara was a fighter for Ukraine's independence and one of the leaders of the anti-communist resistance movement of 1970s-1980s.
In 1980, the dissident was arrested by the KGB for his political and human rights activities and charged with anti-Soviet propaganda. Khmara was sentenced to seven years in a maximum security camp and five years in exile. He served his sentence in political prison camps in the Urals.
Read also: The Battle of the World-orders
After being released in 1987, Khmara returned to Ukraine and became one of the leaders of the Ukrainian Helsinki Union, and later a co-author of the Constitution of Ukraine.
He was a member of the Ukrainian parliament of the first, second, and fourth convocations. In 2006, Khmara was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
