Czechia marks two years since Charles University shooting

Czechs are marking two years since the deadly shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in central Prague, the worst mass shooting in the country’s history, in which 14 students and teachers were killed.

Speaking at a memorial event at Jan Palach Square, near the faculty building, Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil urged the public not to forget the tragedy, saying remembrance is essential to preventing similar violence in the future.

Other politicians also attended the ceremony, while President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed support for the victims’ families in statements released on social media.

The anniversary is also being marked by a charity concert and a memorial mass. Proceeds from the benefit concert, titled Two Years On, will support the mental health charity Nevypusť duši.