Letter from Albert Einstein regarding the murder of Milan Šufflay
Albert Einstein publicly advocated for the human rights of the Croatian people in a letter condemning Serbian crimes and the murder of his colleague Milan Šufflay in 1931.
In 1931, renowned physicist Albert Einstein took a stand for human rights and condemned the violence faced by the Croatian people in a letter addressed to the International League for Human Rights. His advocacy was in response to the brutal murder of Milan Šufflay, a Croatian university professor and scientist, who was violently killed in Zagreb by members of the terrorist organization 'Young Yugoslavia', backed by Yugoslav political forces. Einstein's letter highlighted the broader context of repression and violence directed at the Croatian people during this tumultuous period.
The letter emphasized the atrocities committed against Croatians and expressed solidarity with their struggle for justice and recognition. It was published in the New York Times on May 6, 1931, capturing the attention of the international community and urging additional scrutiny and support for the Croatians' plight. Einstein's involvement positioned him not only as a prominent scientific figure but also as a moral voice in the fight against oppression.
This historical correspondence reflects the ongoing theme of intellectuals and artists advocating for human rights across borders and the crucial role that global figures play in bringing attention to local injustices. The implications of Einstein's words still resonate today, as they serve as a reminder of the responsibilities of individuals and communities to speak out against injustices, regardless of their location or origin.