A symbolic gesture above Prague’s parliamentary building recalls a disputed election, years of repression, and the opposition’s continuing struggle for democratic change.
On August 9, the historic white-red-white flag of Belarus was raised over the building of the Senate of the Czech Republic.
The decision to raise the flag was made by Senate President Miloš Vystrčil to mark the sixth anniversary of the start of protests against the results of the presidential election falsified by Lukashenko’s regime.
Exactly six years ago, the Belarusian people stood up for freedom, democracy, and the right to decide their own future. Raising the historic Belarusian flag over the building of the Czech Senate is an expression of support for all those who, despite obstacles and repression, refuse to give up the fight for a free and just Belarus.
– Miloš Vystrčil
Context of the Event and the Senate’s Position
The Senate of the Czech Republic emphasizes its respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms. Since 2021, its representatives have repeatedly met with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to discuss democracy and human rights.
In particular, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Senate on June 10 this year. She met with the Senate president and took part in a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, after which a resolution supporting democratic forces in Belarus was adopted.
On August 9, 2020, Belarus held a presidential election, after which mass protests were brutally suppressed by the authorities and thousands of people were imprisoned.
The event underscores the Czech Republic’s clear commitment to respecting fundamental human rights and supporting democratic movements in Belarus.