Updates: 06/09/2021 19:00
Released: 09.06.2021, 15:53

Prague – Hundreds of people have been demonstrating in Prague’s Lesser Town Square since the morning for anti-coronavirus measures and covid certificates. The protests were organized by the Wanted PES and Free Bloc movements. At the same time, trumpet cars with Czech flags drove around the square, and some trams had to stop for a while due to traffic. The meeting ended before 18:00, one of the participants in the police will report a suspicion of an offense, police spokesman Jan Rybanský told ČTK.

Protesters held flags in particular, and some had transparent alerts, such as the fact that schools were closed for a long time because of coronavirus. The Czech and Slovak anthems were played. Dozens of police officers and members of the anti-conflict team watched the demonstrations. According to the spokesman, the demonstration was generally calm. He announced that he would be waiting for the police because he did not hang the flag on the scaffolding, as there was a risk of injury. “He was identified and for disobeying the official’s call, he will be notified on suspicion of a misdemeanor, the city district of Prague 1 will solve it,” Rybanský said.

At around 3.30 pm, the crowded Malostranské náměstí watched a screening of the Chamber of Deputies, which was currently dealing with an amendment to the Public Health Protection Act, which should set out the legal framework for issuing certificates. During the speech of the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for YES), people called “Shame!”. Dozens of protesters grouped in front of the barriers at Sněmovní Street, where the situation was monitored by the police. Protesters started a deafening whistle and trumpets, shouting “We’ve had enough!”

I believe the government’s draft on the issuance of covid certificates is urged by the Minister of Health today to approve the Chamber of Deputies in a state of legislative emergency. According to the majority of the opposition, the amendment is superfluous, some deputies led by the SPD completely reject the so-called covid passports. According to the Ministry of Health, the enactment of the issuance of certificates is necessary due to the European regulation on the introduction of the Digital Green Certificate, which is to facilitate travel between Member States in July. Vojtěch stated that without a legal authorization to issue certificates, there is a risk that he will declare the court practice illegal.

The introduction of so-called covid passports, which were supposed to make it easier for people to travel abroad from the beginning of July, was finally approved by the European Parliament today. Free vaccination certificates, negative tests or illnesses will have to be issued and recognized by all EU countries. According to MEPs, the introduction of certificates will be a crucial step in restoring freedom of movement and will help not only tourists but also cross-border workers or students.

House coronavirus demonstration