Czechs mark 58 years since Soviet-led invasion

Czechs are marking the 58th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops that crushed the Prague Spring reform movement in 1968.

The invasion began overnight on August 21, 1968 and dozens of Czechoslovak citizens were killed in the first hours of the invasion alone, either in clashes with the troops or in traffic accidents caused by the occupying forces.

Commemorative events honoring their memory are taking place around the country.

In Prague one of the main events was held outside Czech Radio’s headquarters on Vinohradska street where some of the worst clashes with the invaders took place.

Addressing the gathering, President Pavel stressed the importance of public-service media both in August 1968 and today, when, he said, there is once again pressure to restrict them.

Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil, echoed those sentiments, saying that Independent media and courage are among the first targets of those in power, who want to impose “normalization” and bring society under control. He called for courage and urged people not to “bend their spines.”

The speeches of Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová, who represented the ruling parties, were met with booing and chants of “shame”, reflecting anger over the government’s plan to abolish license fees and replace them with state funds. Many fear this would leave the public broadcasters vulnerable to political pressure.

Cultural events marking the anniversary in Prague include the NeverMore 68 festival at Prague's Exhibition Grounds and a Music Against Forgetting event in the lower part of Wenceslas Square.