CZECH REPUBLIC: Thousands rally against brazen attack on the media

An attack by recently elected President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic on an independent public broadcaster has forced widespread protests in the capital of Prague.

Scores of anti-Zeman demonstrators who gathered at gathered at the Wenceslas Square condemned the attack on local independent media .

The flag-waving protesters criticised Zeman and Prime Minister Andrej Babis, chanting “shame” and jingling their keys, a gesture used during communism that symbolises the unlocking of doors as they sweep Communists from power.

“I don’t agree what our president is saying about the media,” said Klara Krivankova, a 23-year-old biology student.

“I think it can make a dangerous atmosphere in our republic, which can be dangerous for the media as well.

Read also: DRC: Authorities block Internet access as protests continue

In his remarks, Zeman who was speaking during his inauguration last week at Prague Castle, criticised the Czech media by name, accusing them of favouritism during the recent elections and general bias.

The president also lashed out at the independent Czech Television, a public news provider whose director is appointed by a council elected by parliament.

 

 

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