Charter 77 was a human rights manifesto issued in Czechoslovakia in January 1977. It emerged in response to the government's failure to uphold the Helsinki Accords, which aimed to improve human rights in Eastern Europe. The document called for the respect of civil liberties, freedom of expression, and political pluralism. The charter was signed by a group of dissidents, including Václav Havel, who later became the country's president. It gained support from various intellectuals and activists, leading to increased pressure on the Czechoslovak government. Despite facing repression, Charter 77 played a crucial role in the eventual democratization of Czechoslovakia.