‘Antifuneral’ honours late human rights activist

Friends and supporters of human rights activist and well-known anarchist Jakub Polák, who died in September at the age of 60, gathered in Prague on Saturday to honour his memory. Around 100 people met at Prague’s Střelecký ostrov: the event was called “Antipohřeb” or anti-funeral. The event saw performances by Roma bands as well as speeches by friends. The late Jakub Polák was a staunch defender of Roma rights, helping residents facing eviction from a local slum in Ostrava-Přívoz. In 2001, Mr Polak was honoured by the Charter 77 Foundation for his long battle against prejudice and police apathy in cases of racially-motivated murder in the Czech Republic.

Author: Jan Velinger