Pro-Palestinian activists stage protest in central Prague during Prague Pride

On Saturday, several dozen pro-Palestinian activists gathered on Wenceslas Square in Prague, near Havířská Street. They unfurled two banners reading "Freedom for the Queer Community, Borders for Capital" and "Stop the Israeli Genocide," while also waving Palestinian flags.

The demonstration took place against the backdrop of the annual human rights festival Prague Pride, dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues. This year marks the festival's 16th edition: from Monday to Sunday, more than 180 events — including discussions, lectures, cultural programs and community gatherings — are being held across the Czech capital.

A March and an Unusual Combination of Themes

The festival traditionally culminates in a march through Prague, which began on Saturday at exactly noon from the lower part of Wenceslas Square.

The word "queer" on the activists' banner refers to the English term used by members of the LGBTQ+ community to describe themselves; the ending of the neologism in its Czech form also emphasizes a commitment to gender neutrality.

What struck many observers as unusual was the pairing of themes — support for the LGBTQ+ community alongside solidarity with Muslim cultural areas, which includes the Gaza Strip. In that region, sexual minorities not only face a lack of tolerance but are also subject to criminal prosecution, including the death penalty.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz