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Current AffairsCuban political dissident and family begin asylum in the Czech Republic
The first Cuban political prisoner granted political asylum in the Czech
Republic has arrived with his family and relatives in his host country. The
dissident, who spent six out of seven years in prison in solitary
confinement hit out at the regime in his homeland and thanked the Czech
Republic for its solidarity. More
One on OneJan Bubeník – one of the student leaders of the Velvet Revolution
Jan Bubeník was one of the organisers of a student march in Prague on
November 17, 1989 to mark the anniversary of a Nazi crackdown on Czech
universities 50 years previously. When the marchers carried on to Národní
St in the centre of the city they were brutally attacked by police, an
incident which set in train the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia.
Bubeník quickly became one of the student leaders of the Velvet
Revolution, and even served briefly as a member of parliament. Today he
runs a successful recruitment agency. At its Prague offices the other day,
I asked Jan Bubeník what were his strongest memories of the Velvet
Revolution.
More
From the ArchivesThe Red Elvis in Havana
When I first moved to Prague nearly two decades ago, Czech friends were
often amazed that I had never heard of the American singer, Dean Reed.
Dubbed the “Red Elvis”, Reed was a household name throughout the
Eastern Bloc.
More
Current AffairsCastro’s decision to step down unlikely to bring real change, say Czech observers
Fidel Castro’s decision to step down as Cuban leader surprised many
around the world but has been positively greeted by many – not least the
United States and members of the European Union. The controversial
81-year-old dictator held power for almost fifty years, outlasting numerous
US presidents as well as surviving untold attempts on his life. Here in the
Czech Republic, observers say Mr Castro’s decision to step down was
expected but are sceptical his retirement will in any way open the way for
broader democratic change.
More
One on OneCanadian human rights activist David Kilgour
"Where do the organs come from for all the transplants in China? The
allegation of organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners provides an
answer." - a quote from a report from Canadian human rights activist
David Kilgour. Mr Kilgour, a former Member of Parliament who also served
as Canada's Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific region, was recently
in Prague lobbying for support in the fight against illegal organ
harvesting in China.
More
Talking PointPeople in Need continue "jail cell" campaign for Cuban dissidents
Visitors to Prague were treated to an odd sight recently - prisoners
wearing striped fatigues sitting disconsolately in a pretend jail cell on
Wenceslas Square. It was neither a piece of performance art nor an
elaborate joke, but part of a campaign run by the Czech NGO People in
Need, to remind people of the imprisonment of 75 Cuban dissidents in March
2003.
More
Current AffairsJail cell on Wenceslas Square four years after Cuban dissident crackdown
There was an odd sight waiting for passers-by on Prague's Wenceslas Square
on Friday - a jail cell, complete with prisoners wearing striped fatigues.
It was put there by the Czech NGO People in Need, to remind people of the
imprisonment of 75 Cuban dissidents on March 16th, 2003.
More
Current AffairsWomen of Cuba consult Czech counterparts in preparation for political change
The world has been full of speculation over Cuba's future since President
Fidel Castro's retreat from the political scene this summer. The 79-year
old leader has transferred his duties to a governing body that is led by
his brother Raul, who is 75. While Cuba insists that the transfer of power
is only temporary, opposition activists believe Castro is too ill to return
to politics.
More
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