Czechs mark anniversary of November 17

Czechia is marking the 33rd anniversary of the beginning of the Velvet Revolution as well as the 83rd anniversary of the closing of Czech universities by the Nazis this Thursday. People have been coming to the November 17, 1989, memorial on Národní třída since the early morning hours to light candles. The prime minister and members of the government, as well as the speakers of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, paid their respects on the site. The leader of ANO, the largest party in the Chamber of Deputies, Andrej Babiš, laid down a wreath this morning. The surrounding area is closed for cars and public transport. Meanwhile, several speeches made at the nearby Hlávkova kolej paid tribute to the student and university lecturer victims who died amid the Nazi closure of Czech universities in 1939.

Several demonstrations are also being planned. Among them is the protest march organized by the anti-government  "Czech Republic first" movement that is heading towards the headquarters of Czech Television, or a gathering focused on the topic of the upcoming presidential election organized by Million Moments for Democracy.

A conference titled “Russia’s hybrid war against the democratic world”, held in the Lichtenstein Palace in Prague, was attended by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Belarussian democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Mrs Tsikhanouskaya called for tougher sanctions against Russia and more support for Ukraine at the conference.

A more detailed list of what is happening can be found here: https://english.radio.cz/whats-happening-czechia-november-17-8767085