The struggle for positions in the Čáslav district and the resolution of the so‑called Čáslav case (1949–1953)

Monika Kabešová

This study analysis situation in Čáslav district during the years 1949 to 1952/1953. Specifically deals with so‑called časlavský case, which was solved in two phases. At first, the functionaries of the Čáslav district complained about the then Deputy Chief Secretary of the District Committee of Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (DC of CPC) Čáslav Josef Beran, because of his autoritarian behavior. They also spread their complaints among the Čáslav workers and local inhabitans. However, they were punished, instead of Josef Beran. The whole case took a new direction on the year 1951. This change in the case was connected with the arrest of General Secretary of Central Committee (CC) of CPC Rudolf Slánský at the end of the year 1951. After that the search for the „inner ennemies“ escalated in the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. At the and of the whole case, the original punishments of the Čáslav functionaries were changed, and the Josef Beran was punished on the contrary.

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