Oľga Iváková

“Yet when being in Tvrdošín, I met those who did our house search. We met on a bus when they were traveling somewhere. They were ashamed of that. It was evident they didn´t even want to look into my eyes. But, I greeted them politely and went on. However, one could notice it wasn´t pleasant for them to meet me again. For sure, they had compunctions about what they used to do.”

Oľga Iváková (OI): “They rang that we had to open since they were from the State Security. They said we had to open the gate, as they were going to do a house search. So, it lasted until one or two o´clock at night. They searched through everything. In other houses, they also took some money, but they didn´t take any from us: we had them hidden in a small box where we kept records of meals and such.” Interviewer (I): “So more people came that night?” OI: “There were two of them.” I: “And did they identify themselves as being from the State Security?” OI: “Yes, and we even had to look for someone impartial. Thus, we asked our neighbor to come. I was quite surprised that they also forgot their white glove by us.” I: “Wearing it so there was no evidence left behind them?” OI: “Yes.” I: “So, did they seize anything from that flat?” OI: “They just took some books we had, but not many. And some tapes.”

“I didn´t talk much. Then, also in Dolný Kubín, I asked one sir what to do and how. He gave me advice not to sign anything, talk as little as possible and not to reveal any names. Then, I really tried to follow that.”