In the Czech Republic, the speaker of the parliament ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the building
The new Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building. The Ukrainian flag has been displayed on the facade of the Czech Chamber of Deputies since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
“This is a certain symbol. The Ukrainian flag was removed from the building of the Czech Chamber of Deputies on my instructions, and it took a few seconds,” said Okamura.
The flag was removed less than a day after Okamura was elected speaker.
Former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Marketa Pekarová Adamová called the move a shameful act not only against Ukraine, but also against the values on which the Czech Republic is based.
In response, representatives of democratic parties placed Ukrainian flags in the windows of their parliamentary offices. This gesture was made by deputies from the ODS, STAN and Piráti parties, expressing support for Ukraine and protest against the decision of the new leadership of the parliament.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic Vasyl Zvarych thanked Czech politicians for their solidarity:
“Russia is afraid of the Ukrainian flag, because today it is not just a state symbol. It is the flag of freedom, dignity and invincibility of free people who will never become slaves or servants of the Kremlin.”
Zvarych also noted that the Ukrainian and Czech peoples are united in their desire for freedom, justice and respect for international law.
Let us recall that on September 6 Tomio Okamura announced his intention to demand a review of the residence permits of all Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic.
