Czechs mark Sokol Memorial Day

Czechs are marking the fourth annual Sokol Memorial Day, commemorating the anniversary of the order by Nazi governor Reinhard Heydrich to arrest over 1,500 members of the Czech gymnastics association.

Those detained were sent to concentration camps and the organisation was banned a few days later. An estimated 5,000 Sokol members were murdered or died in battle during WWII.

A number of commemorative ceremonies and sports events are being held around the country on the occasion of the Sokol Memorial Day. The Sokol flags have also been hoisted over a number of town halls and regional offices.