Pointing to 'pro-Russian, extremist' ties, Czech premier condemns demonstration in Prague

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – Pointing to the "pro-Russian and extremist" ties, of protesters, the Czech premier has condemned demonstration in the capital Prague that took place on Saturday, local media reported.

The demonstration called by those professing pro-Russian and extremist views is clearly against Czech interests, said Petr Fiala, news outlet Aktualne.cz reported Monday.

But it also reported that Justice Minister Pavel Blazek said the vast majority of the demonstrators are simply people worrying about the country’s future, not “pro-Putin fanatics.”

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko, however, said on social media that the demonstrators meant to insult the honor of Ukrainians defending freedom in Europe.​​​​​​​

On Saturday, Prague saw an estimated 70,000 people gather to protest rising energy bills and the government's policy on the Russia-Ukraine war.

In the iconic Wenceslas Square under the slogan "Czech Republic first," protesters demanded the government’s resignation.

They pushed for an end to EU sanctions over the war, blaming them for the deteriorating economic situation and arguing the Czech Republic should be neutral.

The Czech government has supported Ukraine since the start of the war in late February with ammunition and logistics. It is also home to more than 400,000 Ukrainian refugees.