Who he, you might ask? Has "history" ignored his murder and the significance of his death? Well, then, read the Chessgames.com bio of this courageous and decent man who was murdered by the Nazis for being found with one small pistol.
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KAREL TREYBAL
(born Feb-02-1885, died Oct-02-1941) Czech Republic
Karel Treybal was born on the 2nd of February 1885 in Kotopeky, Czechoslovakia. Karel was one of strongest Czech players of his period, although he never was a chess professional. A lawyer and a District Judge in the city of Velvary, he later became the head of the county court. He first entered into international chess competition at the Prague tourney of 1908. His best performance was at Karlsbad in 1923 when he won his individual encounter with Alexander Alekhine. He was Czech Champion in 1907 and 1921 (jointly). His brother, Frantisek Treybal, was also a prominent Czech player.
During the Nazi occupation in 1941, he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm (a pistol) and condemned to death. He was executed the same day. End Quote.
A good candidate for patron sainthood for the right to keep and bear arms. What's past is prologue. May he truly rest in peace.
Begin Quote:
KAREL TREYBAL
(born Feb-02-1885, died Oct-02-1941) Czech Republic
Karel Treybal was born on the 2nd of February 1885 in Kotopeky, Czechoslovakia. Karel was one of strongest Czech players of his period, although he never was a chess professional. A lawyer and a District Judge in the city of Velvary, he later became the head of the county court. He first entered into international chess competition at the Prague tourney of 1908. His best performance was at Karlsbad in 1923 when he won his individual encounter with Alexander Alekhine. He was Czech Champion in 1907 and 1921 (jointly). His brother, Frantisek Treybal, was also a prominent Czech player.
During the Nazi occupation in 1941, he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm (a pistol) and condemned to death. He was executed the same day. End Quote.
A good candidate for patron sainthood for the right to keep and bear arms. What's past is prologue. May he truly rest in peace.
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