Bienert, Richard (1881-1949)

Bienert, Richard

POLITICIAN, POLICE OFFICER, LAWYER (AUSTRIAN EMPIRE)

BORN 5 Sep 1881, Praha: Schmicov - DIED 2 Feb 1949, Praha
GRAVE LOCATION Praha: Olsany Cemetery, 2807 Vinohradská (Cemetery 3, Section 6, Grave 78)

Richard Bienert was born into a family of magistrate clerks. He studied law in Prague and entered into the service of the state. In 1906 he became a police official in Prague and by 1918 he worked as a clerk in the police presidium. During the First World War he collaborated with Premysl Sámal, the leader of the Czech resistance and in 1918 he was appointed Police Director of Prague and in 1920 Police President. Later he also became Police President of Bohemia.

When the nazis occupied Czechoslovakia he was arrested on 1 September 1939, but he was released after he promised loyalty. In 1942 he was appointed minister of the interior under prime minister Krejcí. On 19 January 1945 he replaced Krejcí and he also replaced president Hácha who was ill. On 5 May 1945 he wanted to broadcast a statement about the dissolution of the Czech protectorate, but he was arrested in the broadcasting room of the City Hall by revolutionary guards. He was tried for treason but was finally sentenced to three years in prison for collaboration with the nazis. Due to bad health he was released in 1947. He died in 1949 in Prague.

Images

The grave of Richard Bienert at the Olsany Cemetery, Prague.
Picture by Androom (12 Aug 2019)