Czech Radio war reporter Martin Dorazín among this year’s recipients of Czech State honours
President Petr Pavel marked the anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia on 28 October with the traditional state award ceremony at Prague Castle, recognising individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Czech society.
The Order of the White Lion
The Order of the White Lion, the highest state decoration, went to five people — one more than last year. The recipients include:
Zdeněk Svěrák, actor, dramatist, screenwriter and co-founder of the Jára Cimrman Theatre, honoured for outstanding service to culture and the arts.
Martina Navrátilová, one of the greatest tennis players in history, recognised for her achievements in sport and for promoting the Czech Republic abroad.
Dana Drábová, the late head of the State Office for Nuclear Safety, honoured posthumously for her lifetime work in science and public administration.
Two soldiers in memoriam — Division General Hugo Vojta, a legionnaire and WWII resistance leader, and Colonel Jaromír Nechanský, active in both anti-Nazi and anti-Communist resistance. Their decorations were received by family members.
The Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
The second-highest honour, the Order of T. G. Masaryk, was awarded for outstanding service to democracy, humanity and human rights. Recipients include:
Otakar Motejl, former Minister of Justice, Supreme Court Chair, and the first Czech Ombudsman (posthumously).
Dana Němcová, Charter 77 signatory and long-time human-rights activist (posthumously).
Šimon Pánek, co-founder and director of the NGO People in Need (Člověk v tísni).
Medal for Merit: Martin Dorazín
Among the laureates was Martin Dorazín, long-time war correspondent for Czech Radio, who received the Medal for Merit for his work in journalism and culture. Dorazín has covered conflicts from the former Yugoslavia to Ukraine, where he has reported for nearly four years. His distinctive voice and empathy for those affected by war have earned him multiple prestigious journalism awards, including the Karel Havlíček Borovský Prize and the Ferdinand Peroutka Award.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dorazín said the honour belongs to “everyone who tries to show the human side of war, not just the politics of it.”
Honouring a broad spectrum of Czech excellence
This year’s selection reflects President Pavel’s intent to highlight contributions across public life — from defence and security to culture, science, sports and civic activism.
By honouring figures such as Navrátilová, who has lived in the U.S. for decades, and Pánek, known for humanitarian work around the world, the awards also underline the international reach of Czech talent and commitment to democratic values.
The 28 October ceremony, held in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle, is one of the most symbolic state occasions of the year — celebrating those who embody the ideals of courage, excellence, and public service.
