Prague illegally blocked 2016 demonstration against Chinese president’s visit, court rules

Prague authorities illegally blocked protesters from demonstrating on Hradčanské náměstí against the state visit of China’s president Xi Jinping in March 2016, a municipal court has ruled.

The protesters had wanted to voice their opinion on China’s human rights record. Despite having secured a permit to demonstrate, they were prevented from assembling on Hradčanské náměstí, a square near Prague Castle, due to “security concerns”.

Former deputy prime minister Martin Bursík and several protest organisers filed suit against the municipality and police for infringing on the right to free assembly and free speech.

If the Prague Municipal Court is appealed, the case could go to the Supreme Administrative Court.