Czech Foreign Ministry “surprised” at Russian reaction to 1968 commemoration

The Czech Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed “surprise” at the Russian authorities’ reaction to an event in Moscow commemorating the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. On Sunday, the Russian police detained eight people in Moscow’s Red Square who commemorated the invasion and honoured eight dissidents who protested against it on August 25, 1968, spending years in jail as a result. In a statement, the Czech Foreign Ministry said it was surprised the peaceful gathering was suppressed, and expressed hope the Russian authorities are aware of the event’s symbolism. However, the Russian authorities do not allow any rallies and gatherings to take place in the city’s Red Square.

Author: Jan Richter