Thorolf Rafto
(1922-1986)

birthdate: November 4
birthplace: Bergen, Norway

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Thorolf Rafto was a Norwegian human rights activist and economic history professor at the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration. Professor Thorolf Rafto taught more than economic history to his students -- he challenged them to take a stand on important social issues. While visiting Prague in 1979 to hold a lecture for students who were excluded from the university for political reasons, Rafto was beaten by Czech secret police and suffered from the injuries for the rest of his life. The Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, established in his memory, carries on his lifelong struggle for the oppressed and persecuted. Each year, the Rafto Award is given to an individual or organization working for human rights.