Czechs Protest on Prague Spring Anniversary, Warn Against Pro-Russian Leanings

Dozens of Czechs gathered outside the Czech Radio building to protest and commemorate the 58th anniversary of the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, known as the Prague Spring. The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the current government's proposed financial reforms for public media and issued a stark warning against any resurgence of pro-Russian influence.

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This action is to remind people of the history of 1968 and to think about the challenges facing public media today.

The protest, organized by the group "Culture, Now!" (Kultura teď!), used a dramatic performance to highlight the importance of public media in a democratic society. Josef Banovec, an organizer, told CNA that the action served as a historical reminder of 1968 and a reflection on current challenges facing public media. He emphasized that protesters in 1968 sacrificed themselves at the very radio building, understanding the critical role of public media in informing citizens and revealing truth.

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It is very absurd for a Minister of Culture to say such a thing.

Protesters are particularly concerned that the government's plan to abolish current broadcasting fees and replace them with direct state budget funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio will lead to a 15% reduction in funding. This cut, amounting to 1.4 billion Czech crowns (approximately NT$2.15 billion), could result in the dismissal of 450 to 700 employees. The demonstrators also cited recent remarks by the Minister of Culture, Otto Klempíř, questioning the benefits of culture for democracy, which they deemed "absurd."

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This tank is a political symbol, protesting against some Czech politicians who support Russia, and warning that Czech democracy and media freedom may be threatened.

Members of the opposition Pirate Party also participated, displaying a large cardboard tank adorned with the faces of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, and parliamentary speakers Miloš Vystrčil and Tomio Okamura. Pirate Party representative Šimon Reizer explained the tank symbolized a protest against certain Czech politicians perceived as pro-Russian, warning that Czech democracy and media freedom are under threat. He drew parallels to 1968, when Soviet tanks suppressed reforms, arguing that current political moves to weaken media echo that historical suppression of democracy.

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There were tanks here at that time, they tried to attack this building and they tried to attack the media.