Czech Republic: Anti-government protests in several cities May 6

Event

Anti-government protests will be held in several towns across the Czech Republic on Monday, May 6, to demand the independence of the judiciary and the resignation of the Minister of Justice, Marie Benešová. Protesters are expected to gather at 18:30 (local time) in the Old Town Square in Praha. Live screenings of the protest will also take place at Dominican Square in Brno and at Masaryk Square in Ostrava for protesters who could not travel to Praha. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near all demonstration sites.

Context

On April 17, investigators recommended indicting former Prime Minister Andrej Babis for alleged fraud. President Milos Zeman appointed a new judicial minister, Marie Benešová, on April 30, who is set to have significant control over the prosecution of Babis. Protesters fear the move is an attempt by politicians to protect Babis from prosecution and thousands of people attended a demonstration in Prague on April 29 to protest the intended appointment of the new judicial minister.

Advice

Individuals in the Czech Republic, particularly Prague, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the event.