Ivan Zvonimir Cicak reached out to take the certificate from Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic hen he lost control of his lower garments.

A human rights activist was left red faced after his trousers fell down just as he was receiving an important award from the country's president.

Ivan Zvonimir Cicak reached out to take the certificate from Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic hen he lost control of his lower garments.

The head of the Croatian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights was photographed looking shamefaced as his slacks slumped around his ankles, before defiantly picking them up again and carrying on.

Luckily, Cicak's dignity was saved by the fact Grabar-Kitarovic was holding the largee award in her hands, preventing anyone getting a glimpse of his underwear.

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She did not appear to react and remained calm despite a brief glance downwards and a smile as he stooped to pull them back up.

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The award was presented to Cicak and the committee in Zagreb for their work ahead of international Human Rights Day which is marked on December 10.