Czech Republic: Further protests planned nationwide March 10-31 /update 7

Event

The Million Moments for Democracy civil society group is calling for further demonstrations across the Czech Republic on Tuesdays from 16:30 until 20:00 (local time) between March 10 and March 31. On March 10, supporters will gather in Pardubice to discuss transportation issues. In Olomouc on March 17, a march from the Upper Square to the Regional Authority building is scheduled, followed by a debate at Pegasus Hall. Demonstrations in Hradec Králové will be held on March 24, to discuss the abuse of power in the country and similar rallies are scheduled in České Budějovice on March 31; specific details regarding locations for both protests have not been released as of Wednesday, March 4.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected around any protest site.

Context

The Million Moments for Democracy student group has held several protests throughout the Czech Republic demanding the resignation of several government officials, particularly Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Activists have called for the prime minister to resign by December 31, 2019. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in protests in June, August, and November 2019.

Advice

Individuals in the Czech Republic are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions around protest sites.