Introduction
Reforming Gun Laws: Responding to Tragedy in Prague
On 22nd December 2023, a tragic mass shooting at Charles University in Prague shook the Czech nation. The shooting resulted in the deaths of 14 people and numerous injuries. As a result the Czech Parliament swiftly moved to amend gun laws. The new legislation provides for gun owners to undergo more frequent medical examinations, every five years instead of every ten. In addition, companies that sell firearms would be obliged to report suspicious purchases to the police, while doctors, including psychiatrists, would be given access to online databases enabling them to check whether their patients own firearms.
Czech Government Adopts Antigypsyism Definition
As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, the Roma population in the Czech Republic is subject to a range of forms of discrimination. On 10th April 2024, the Czech Government adopted a definition of antigypsyism, marking a step towards combating discrimination against the Roma community. Human rights advocates support this decision as it raises awareness about the systemic challenges faced by Roma people and underscores the need for societal change.
Peaceful Assembly
Czech Farmers’ Battle Over EU Agriculture Policies
On 19th February 2024, a few hundred Czech farmers mobilised in downtown Prague, blocking traffic lanes with hundreds of tractors to protest against the European Union’s agriculture policies, citing unfair practices and excessive bureaucracy. The demonstration, which echoed sentiments present across Central Europe, highlighted concerns about the impact of EU regulations on small and medium-sized farms, due to the influx of cheap Ukrainian imports.
During a protest at Malostranské Square, a group with Ukrainian flags confronted the demonstrators, leading to altercations, but police intervened, and no arrests were made. Some farmers left the protest, expressing frustration with anti-government slogans being chanted and advocating for a peaceful demonstration.
Despite rising tensions, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný attempted to engage with the demonstrators, though his efforts were met with scepticism. Výborný attributed the distrust to the organisers’ political motives rather than genuine concerns about agricultural reform. Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed these views, accusing the organisers of harbouring pro-Russian sympathies and pursuing objectives unrelated to the interests of farmers.
On 22 February 2024, farmers blockaded the border with Slovakia, demanding that the Czech government withdraw from the EU's Green Deal, further emphasising their dissatisfaction with current agricultural policies. In response, the government discussed measures to address farmers' grievances, including amending agricultural regulations to simplify procedures and improve conditions in the sector.
On 7th March 2024, farmers again descended upon Prague, staging a more organised and forceful display of their grievances. Armed with tractors and agricultural machinery, they blocked streets, causing significant disruption. Although the government attempted to defuse tensions, the farmers remained resolute, planning further protests. While some demands were met—such as increased funding for farm well-being and rural employment—the farmers deemed these concessions insufficient.
Divided Echoes: Czechia's Stance on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
On 21 January 2024, a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and expressing solidarity with Palestine attracted about a thousand people. Protesters demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the international community to take action to address the plight of Palestinian civilians. The government’s response to the protest was cautious, acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstration while reaffirming its support for Israel’s military actions in the region.
On 24th March 2024, another nationwide March of Solidarity with Palestine was organised by the Prague 4 Palestine Youth collective. Demonstrators reiterated their demands for justice and freedom for the Palestinian people in a peaceful protest. However, authorities maintained their position on supporting Israel's campaign, refraining from substantive engagement with the protesters’ demands.
On 15th April 2024, a pro-Israeli march took place, showcasing support for Israel's actions in the region. The march aimed to counter the narrative of solidarity with Palestine and reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting Israel. Authorities reiterated their stance on backing Israel’s security concerns and emphasised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations.
Unity and Solidarity: Czechia Stands with Ukraine
On 24th February 2024, Czechia marked the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine with a series of demonstrations and events aimed at showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The largest gathering, “Together for Ukraine”, convened in the Old Town Square in Prague, reaffirmed Czechia's support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
President Petr Pavel delivered a speech emphasising the importance of international support for Ukraine's struggle for freedom. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the crowd from Hostomel airport near Kyiv, reiterating Ukraine's determination to achieve peace on its terms.
The Day for Ukraine included a range of activities, including concerts, marches, and readings from the Memory of the Nations manifesto. Both President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala reiterated their commitment to providing diplomatic, financial, and military assistance to Ukraine. Non-governmental organisations like People in Need continued to play a crucial role in providing aid and resources to support Ukraine.
Freedom of expression
Urgent Appeal to Protect Exiled Russian Journalists
On 20th March 2024, the Safety of Journalists Platform made an urgent request to Czech and European authorities regarding the safety of Russian journalists living in exile in the Czech Republic. Specifically, concerns were raised about the security of Irina Dolinina and Alesya Marakhovskaya from I-Stories, who were subjected to threats and intimidation, presumably from Russian government agents.
The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the Ministers of Justice and the Interior as well as EUROPOL and the European Commission, highlights the precarious situation faced by exiled journalists across Europe. Many have fled oppressive regimes only to remain at serious risk of harm due to inadequate support from local authorities. Of particular concern are the threats against Russian journalists and the alarming ease with which suspected Russian agents can track, follow, and intimidate them, as demonstrated by past incidents, including poisonings.
Since being forced into exile amid its invasion of Ukraine, Dolinina and Marakhovskaya have faced continuous death threats while living in Prague. Although the Czech government has given assurances that police investigations are underway, the gravity of their situation appears to be underestimated.
The appeal calls for the reopening of the investigation into the threats made against the two journalists, the provision of enhanced security measures, the identification and prosecution of those responsible, and collaboration with European partners to improve security protocols for personal information related to travel.
Freedom of association
Civil Society Group Wins Legal Victory
In a significant legal victory for civil society, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled in favour of the organisation A Million Moments for Democracy on 10th January 2024. The court's decision affirmed that active citizens and their associations have the right to engage in advocacy and campaigning activities without being required to register as “third parties” during elections.
As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, the case originated in March 2023 when A Million Moments for Democracy was fined 40,000 CZK (approximately EUR 1,600) by the Czech authority responsible for overseeing political movements and parties. The fine was imposed because the organisation had not registered as a “third party” while leading a presidential election campaign. However, the group contested the decision, arguing that their campaign merely advocated for a democratic candidate, aligning with their core mission.
Following a protracted legal battle, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the organisation’s pre-election activities were consistent with its long-standing commitment to civic engagement. Buoyed by this legal victory, A Million Moments for Democracy is now gearing up for the campaign leading up to the European Parliament elections in June 2024.
LGBTQI+ rights
The Czech Republic's Legislative Stance: Limited Rights for Same-Sex Couples
In April 2024, the Czech Senate fast-tracked an amendment on same-sex partnerships by removing it from debate and automatically forwarding it to President Petr Pavel for approval. This procedural move aimed to bypass the discriminatory rhetoric seen previously in the lower house. The amendment improves rights for same-sex couples under “partnerships” but stops short of granting full marriage equality, allowing adoption only if one partner is the biological parent. While activists view this as progress, they vow to continue pushing for complete equality.
Women’s rights
Senate rejects Istanbul convention, progress on consent-based definition of rape
As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, the Czech government attempted to ratify the Istanbul Convention. However, on 25th January 2024, the Senate rejected the treaty. Conservative lawmakers argued that the treaty challenges traditional gender roles and pointed out that its implementation in other countries has not led to a reduction in violence against women. The Senate’s rejection makes it unlikely that the lower house will revisit the treaty, leaving the Czech Republic among the signatories yet to ratify it.
On a more positive note, in mid-April 2024, the lower house of Parliament swiftly passed an amendment redefining rape in the Criminal Code. The new definition shifts from requiring evidence of force to recognising all non-consensual sexual intercourse as rape. This change, driven by years of advocacy from women’s rights groups, offers better protection for victims who are incapacitated or unable to resist. Based on the “no means no” principle, the bill now moves to the Senate for further debate. If approved, President Pavel will sign it into law.