Czech Republic: Anti-government activists to protest in central Prague Sept. 3

Event

Anti-government activists affiliated with a group called "Czech Republic First!" plan to protest at Wenceslas Square in central Prague starting at 14:00 Sept. 3. The purpose of the action is to demand change in several areas of government policy. It remains unclear how many participants the event will draw; however, organizers expect several thousand people to attend. Additionally, smaller related protests are possible in cities nationwide; counter-protests are likely as some of the group's core demands of the rally are that the government reduce its support for Ukraine, establish military neutrality, withdraw from international organizations such as EU, WHO, and the UN, and secure direct gas contracts primarily with Russia.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security forces to monitor and facilitate the action and to keep rival groups of activists apart. Large crowds and associated security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized business and transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Isolated clashes between protesters and security services or between rival groups of activists are possible.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a precaution and heed all instructions from security personnel. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Keep away from areas where crowds appear to be forming, or security personnel is deploying. If clashes erupt nearby, exit the area immediately; if unable to do so, take refuge in a publicly accessible non-governmental building until it is safe to depart.