Lindeberg is a brave journalist who almost lost his head, but broke the system (4 photos)

Karl XIV Johan, who ruled Sweden in the first half of the 19th century, was an extraordinary character. In his youth made dizzy career in the military field and became a French marshal.





But, as they say, for every extraordinary in this life is, if not more, then certainly no less outstanding character.



Anders Lindeberg

Such was the journalist and theatrical figure Anders Lindeberg, from whose pen an article was published in 1834, where he harshly criticized the policy of the current ruler. Actually, nothing seditious Lindeberg did not publish: he did not sow confusion, did not called. The only thing Anders was unhappy with was the ban on opening in the capital of the new theater. The reason for this was the outdated royal monopoly. But such publications were regarded as an insult. the monarchy in general and His Majesty in particular.

And in accordance with ancient but valid laws insolence was punishable by death. The insolent must have lost his head. Certainly, in the era of progress, Charles XIV did not want to be known among filed by a tyrant, living according to the laws of hoary antiquity. Therefore he graciously commuted the execution to three years' imprisonment.

But that was not the case: the stubborn journalist categorically refused from pardon, declaring that if it is already necessary to lose your head because of manifestations of free thought, then so be it. And let his death will serve as an example for new hot hearts and heads.





Karl XIV Johan

The quarreling between the king and the subjects was widespread. publicity, and the whole country watched with curiosity as they butted. Case reached the point of absurdity: the guards began to persuade the prisoner to agree to the escape. Then the matter would have been resolved to the greatest pleasure, if not both sides, then the monarch for sure. But the journalist not only rested, but also threw branches into the fire of perseverance, demanding that the execution take place exactly in his anniversary: on November 8, 1834, Lindeberg should have turned 45 years.

The landmark day has come, and the priest came to the stubborn cell, to forgive sins. And behind him loomed a crowd of sad jailers, begging the prisoner to escape.

"Chop!" Anders said. And the king had to because of one the only person to declare an amnesty for all political prisoners, timing this event to their next anniversary ascension to the throne.



But the man, unlike his contented fellow casemates, continued to sit stubbornly in the cell and did not want to leave it. I wanted on the chopping block, so that everything is fair.

The jailers were nervous. They are tired. And solved the problem elementary and ingenious - they simply did not let the prisoner back to prison when he returned from a walk.

And the brave Anders broke the system and opened his own theater in Stockholm.