Czech Republic: Anti-government protesters gather in Ostrava July 20

Event

Over a thousand people gathered in Ostrava (Moravian-Silesian region) for an anti-government demonstration on Monday, July 20. Ahead of the 17:00 start, around 1500 people had gathered in Masaryk Square for the protest against the government's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Health Minister Adam Vojtěch and other government ministers over their perceived mismanagement of the crisis. As of early Monday evening (local time), the demonstration appeared to be passing off relatively peacefully, with no reports of violence or arrests.

Further unrest over the issue is possible in Ostrava and other areas of the Czech Republic over the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Ostrava are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.