Thousands rally in Prague to defend Czech television and radio

A rally in support of the independence of Czech television and Czech radio was held in Prague, in which, according to the organizers, between 350,000 and 450,000 people took part, the ČTK news agency reported, citing the chairman of the civic association Million Moments for Democracy, Mikulas Minarz.

The organizers demanded that the government withdraw the bill on the abolition of fees for the financing of Czech television and Czech radio. The document provides for the transfer of public media for financing from the state budget. Opponents of the reform fear that it will lead to the loss of independence of the TV channel and radio station.

According to Minarzh, the police recognized the rally as the largest ever recorded in the Czech Republic, but law enforcement agencies did not confirm this information. If confirmed, the event could be the largest demonstration in the country since late 1989.

The Ministry also called for the removal from office of the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura, representing the ruling coalition party “Freedom and Direct Democracy” (SPD), and to deprive this political force of control over the Ministry of Defense.

According to Minarzh, the protesters opposed the hasty adoption of key laws without public discussion.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and other members of the ruling coalition have rejected fears that a change in the funding system would lead to the loss of independence or political control over Czech television and radio.

At the end of October, a rally was also held in Prague against the government's plans to cancel fees for Czech television and Czech radio. Several hundred people gathered on Malostra Square to support the independence of public media. Some protesters tried to enter the parliament building, but police stopped them. No arrests.