(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yuting, Prague, 21st) The Czech Republic held a memorial event today to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet-organized troops. President Pavel said in front of the Czech Radio building in Prague that independent media is an important pillar of the democratic system; Senate President Vedzy pointed out that free speech, independent media and the courage to tell the truth are the first targets of any regime that is unwilling to be subject to supervision.
From the late night of August 20 to the early morning of August 21, 1968, the five-nation Warsaw Pact army led by the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia and suppressed the "Prague Spring" reform movement by force. At that time, Czechoslovak Radio played a key role in conveying news of the invasion to the public and maintaining the flow of information.
At the same time as the memorial event was held, dozens of people gathered in front of the Czech Radio building, holding slogans supporting public media, criticizing the government's financial system reform plan for public media, and worried that switching funds to the national budget would increase the risk of political interference.
During the event, Czech President Petr Pavel, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, House of Representatives Speaker Tomio Okamura, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová and others laid wreaths in front of the building and delivered speeches on stage.
In his speech, Pavel said that when the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968, the Czechoslovak Radio played a key role in reporting the invasion of Soviet troops to the public. "Today, Czech Radio and Czech Television also play a key role in the Czech media environment, not only in news reporting, but also in investigative reporting, education, culture and sports."
Pavel noted that independent media is the backbone of any democratic system. Public media are now facing pressure to limit their freedom and independence, albeit more slowly and insidiously than the threat posed by soldiers armed with submachine guns and speaking Russian.
Pavel said the trauma of betrayal represented in 1968 is still deeply embedded in Czech society. Because of this trauma, Czechs "should be more vigilant and sensitive to the aggressive and expansionist tendencies displayed by Russia today, and should be more able to resist Russian propaganda."
Pavel said that the Soviet Union's invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine have many similarities: both countries pursued free development and tried to get rid of Moscow's influence, but were violated by force. Both invasions brought deep disappointment and wariness about Russia, but he also warned that some people today still choose to ignore the fact that Russian history is repeating itself.
He said that Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is not only defending its own freedom, but also defending the freedom and security of the entire Europe.
In his speech, Wade said: "Free speech, independent media, and the courage to tell the truth are always the first targets of any regime that is unwilling to accept supervision and attempts to promote 'normalization.' The only correct response is not to be afraid, not to be intimidated, and not to give in or compromise before things happen. Don't praise things that are not worthy of praise in order to please those in power; let alone become a hypocritical or spineless person for the sake of your own career."
Wadezi called on people to have courage and not give in. He cited writer Milan Kundera who called August 1968 the darkest period in Czech history.
Wadezi urged people not to forget that true speech is a powerful protective force. "It's important to stay brave and determined."
Representatives of the ruling coalition also spoke at the scene, and protests such as boos and "Shame on!" were heard from time to time. Tomio Okamura delivered a speech and talked about the importance of respecting truth and democracy. Kirerova paid tribute to all those who lost their lives during the occupation and paid tribute to those who bravely resisted the invasion of Warsaw Pact troops.
