Hermina Šegovc Starost
Hermina Šegovc Starost: Former Political Prisoner and Advocate for Human Rights
Hermina Šegovc Starost is a former political prisoner and advocate for human rights. She was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1930. In 1948, she was arrested by the communist authorities and sentenced to 10 years in prison for her political activities. She was released in 1957, but she continued to be harassed by the authorities. In the 1980s, she became involved in the human rights movement in Slovenia, and she helped to found the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights.
Starost's Work on Behalf of Political Prisoners
Starost's work on behalf of political prisoners has been recognized internationally. In 1993, she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. In 1995, she was appointed by the United Nations as a member of the Commission on Human Rights. She served on the commission for six years, and she played a leading role in the commission's work on the rights of political prisoners.
Starost's Legacy
Starost's legacy is one of courage and perseverance. She never gave up on her fight for human rights, even when it meant putting her own life at risk. She is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of the human spirit.
Starost's Childhood and Early Life
Hermina Šegovc Starost was born on November 21, 1930, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Her parents were Jože and Milica Šegovc. Her father was a lawyer, and her mother was a teacher. Starost had two older sisters, Olga and Ljerka. The family was well-off and lived in a comfortable home in the center of Ljubljana.
Starost's childhood was happy and carefree. She attended a private school and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a bright and curious child, and she loved to read and learn new things.
Starost's Political Activities
Starost became interested in politics at a young age. She was influenced by her father, who was a member of the anti-communist resistance movement during World War II. After the war, Starost joined the Slovenian Christian Socialist Party. The party was banned by the communist authorities in 1947, but Starost continued to participate in its activities.
In 1948, Starost was arrested by the communist authorities and sentenced to 10 years in prison for her political activities. She was imprisoned in several different prisons, including the notorious Stari Grad prison in Maribor. Starost was subjected to torture and ill-treatment during her imprisonment, but she never gave up her political beliefs.
Starost's Release from Prison
Starost was released from prison in 1957. She was in poor health, but she was determined to continue her fight for human rights. She joined the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, a group that advocated for the rights of political prisoners. Starost also wrote about her experiences in prison, and she became a leading voice in the human rights movement in Slovenia.
In the 1980s, Starost became involved in the movement for Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia. She was a member of the Slovene Democratic Alliance, a coalition of political parties that advocated for Slovenia's independence. In 1991, Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia, and Starost was elected to the Slovenian Parliament.
Starost's Later Years
Starost retired from politics in 1996. She continued to write about human rights issues, and she lectured at universities around the world. She also received numerous awards for her work on behalf of human rights, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the Order of the White Lion, the highest state honor in the Czech Republic.
Starost died on August 15, 2018, at the age of 87. She was a courageous and determined woman who dedicated her life to the fight for human rights. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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