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Raymonde DienFrench social activist
Date of Birth: 13.05.1929
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Activism
- Anti-War Protest in 1950
- Laying on the Tracks to Stop the Train
- Arrest, Trial, and Imprisonment
- International Solidarity and Release
- Later Life and Legacy
- Artistic Representations
Early Life and Activism
Raymonde Dien was born in France to a mechanic father and a peasant mother. At the age of 17, she became a secretary-typist for the French Communist Party in Tours.
Anti-War Protest in 1950
On February 23, 1950, an army train carrying tanks bound for Indochina arrived at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station in Tours. Inspired by the communists, workers, railwaymen, and schoolchildren gathered to protest the French government's involvement in the First Indochina War. Dien was among the demonstrators.
Laying on the Tracks to Stop the Train
As the train approached, Dien rushed past the armed guards and lay down on the tracks. Several other women followed her example, halting the train. Demonstrators then boarded the platforms and removed batteries and wires from the armored vehicles, delaying the train for nine hours.
Arrest, Trial, and Imprisonment
Dien was arrested and charged under new anti-sabotage legislation. On June 1, 1950, she was sentenced to one year in prison for her actions. She admitted her guilt, stating, "I hate war."
International Solidarity and Release
The public outcry over Dien's imprisonment led to her release in November 1950, although she was stripped of her civil rights for 15 years.
Later Life and Legacy
After her release, Dien became an activist and spokesperson against colonialism and war. She remained a popular figure, especially among the youth in socialist countries. She received letters and gifts from around the world and became a symbol of peace and solidarity.
Artistic Representations
Dien's story has been immortalized in art:- Sergei Prokofiev's "On Guard for Peace" oratorio (1950) featured her actions.
- A sculpture by T.I. Diveeva and V.D. Kirhoglani (1953) depicting her protest was installed in Moscow's Victory Park. A replica was later placed in Green Mountain Resort.
Today, Dien is still remembered in Vietnam, where she has been awarded several honors and visited multiple times.
