Approximately 150 demonstrators gathered in Prague on 20 February for an event called "Refugees, welcome". The protest against racism and xenophobia aimed to support the reception of refugees by the Czech Republic, particularly those from war-torn Syria.
The demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans as they marched through the center of Prague from náměstí Republiky to Jungmannovo náměstí, where the rally ended. "For the time being we are seeing predominantly negative attitudes and rhetoric about refugees, both among ordinary people and across the political spectrum. However, there is a rather large group of people here who are tolerant and who want a society that respects human rights and freedoms and is capable of receiving those who are in danger and cannot remain in their home countries," said Magda Faltová, one of the organizers.
The event was said to be an appeal to politicians and society to take an active stance on the question of immigration. Banners at the gathering featured slogans supporting the reception of refugees by the Czech Republic.
People also had the opportunity to sign a petition from the orgnaization Amnesty International in favor of the Czech Republic taking in 1 000 Syrian refugees. Shortly after 17:00 the crowd set off down Na Příkopě Street to Jungmannovo náměstí under police protection.
Before the march set out there were speeches against racism and xenophobia. Participants also held a minute of silence in honor of the deceased Syrians who never managed to flee their country.
