Thousands of Czechs rally in Prague, demanding the pro-Ukrainian government resigns, NATO withdrawal

Czech Radio and iDNES.cz reported the information.

The protest, named "Czech Republic Against Poverty," started at Wenceslas Square, Prague. It was organized by a non-parliamentary political party called Law, Respect, Expertise (Czech: Právo Respekt Odbornost, PRO) led by lawyer Jindřich Rajchl.

Protesters brought Czech flags and signs with various messages against the pro-Ukrainian government of Petr Fiala. Some of the slogans included: "When unfairness becomes a law, resistance becomes a duty," "The government should fear the people, not the other way around," "Let's have a general strike now," "Our goal is peace," "Stop the war," "Leave NATO," and "The government and the media are misleading us."

Rajchl stated, "We are strongly against war and want to find peaceful solutions on our continent. Major world powers are treating Ukraine like a chess piece, but they seem to care very little about the lives of everyday Ukrainians and Russians who are dying every day."

He mentioned that everyone at the square was there to defend the Czech Republic using non-violent civil protest as a means to remove the coalition government led by Petr Fiala from power.

Rajchl also emphasized that the demonstration was not just about economic issues but also about moral concerns. During the rally, he expressed opposition to remote voting in elections and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

After gathering at Wenceslas Square, the protesters marched towards the government building.

• On February 1, the Czech Republic's President, Petr Pavel, expressed that Ukraine should become a NATO member after the war ends because its army is currently the most experienced in Europe. 

• In March, Pavel also called on EU countries to provide fighter jets to Ukraine.

• On August 31, Prague's ambassador to NATO mentioned that Ukraine can only join NATO after hostilities cease, as NATO doesn't accept new members engaged in active conflicts, as this would automatically require NATO to provide protection.

• On September 13, the Czech military's commander-in-chief stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive will likely continue for a while. He urged Western countries to prepare for long-term support for Ukraine, including providing weapons.