Tens of thousands joined Prague’s Pride parade, which opened with a minute’s silence for victims of the Berlin Pride attack two weeks earlier. Prague Pride director Kamila Fröhlichova said the festival aims to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and press for equal rights. Organisers imposed heightened security — including hundreds of police and a de-escalation team — and police reported no major incidents despite a small group of counter-demonstrators.
Tens of Thousands Take to Prague Streets for Pride — Parade Honors Berlin Attack Victims
People take part in the Prague Pride March for Equality and Respect. (is associated with: «Thousands join Prague Pride parade, commemorate Berlin attack victims») Deml Ondøej/CTK/dpa
Tens of thousands of people marched through Prague on Saturday for the high point of the city’s Pride week, blending celebration with solemn remembrance.
At the start of the procession, participants paused for a minute's silence to honour the victims of the Berlin Pride attack two weeks earlier.
"As every year, the aim of the festival is to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues, to show how this community lives in the Czech Republic and that it is still waiting for equal rights," said Kamila Fröhlichova, director of Prague Pride.
She added that the Berlin attack underlined the continuing importance of Pride events, stressing that hate often begins with words and hate speech long before it escalates into violence.
Authorities say that during the terrorist incident in Berlin on July 25 an attacker drove a van into a crowd before the vehicle crashed into a tree; one woman was killed and 31 people were injured, several seriously.
Heightened Security
In response, Prague Pride organisers implemented tightened security measures for the march. Hundreds of police officers patrolled the route and a dedicated de-escalation team accompanied the procession to ensure public safety.
Organisers also asked participants to carry banners by hand or use plastic poles rather than wooden poles or broomsticks to reduce the risk of harm.
Despite the sober tone, the parade retained a festive atmosphere: many marchers wore colourful outfits, sparkly make-up and carried balloons and flags bearing rainbow motifs. The theme of this year’s festival was "Times Are Changing", reflecting both celebration and calls for progress on equal rights.
Police reported no major incidents during the event, although a small group of counter-demonstrators gathered at points along the route. Overall the march proceeded peacefully and closed the week-long programme.
Note: LGBT+ refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and wider queer community.
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