Jan Palach remembered in Prague 55 years after self-immolation

Memorial events were held in Prague on Tuesday marking the self-immolation of Jan Palach 55 years ago, on January 16, 1969. Senate speaker Miloš Vystrčil and other senators laid a wreath at a memorial at the top of Wenceslas Square, where Palach, who was 20, set himself on fire in protest at apathy in the face of the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia.

Charles University’s Karolinum building was opened for students, teaching staff and the public to pay their respects to Palach, who studied there.

Palach died of his burns on January 19, 1969. His funeral drew large crowds and became a moment of solidarity for the nation.