Czechs mark 50 years since Jan Palach's self-immolation over crushing of Prague Spring


PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czechs marked the 50th anniversary on Wednesday of student Jan Palach setting himself on fire in central Prague in a desperate act aimed at lifting the apathy hanging over the country in the wake of the Soviet invasion that crushed the Prague Spring of 1968.

Having seen a period of reforms to Czechoslovakia's Communist system snuffed out by the invasion five months earlier, and the widespread public demoralisation that followed, the 20-year-old Palach decided to take action.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Interview: Inclusive multilateral cooperation needs focus on well-being of people, planet: UN expert
South Africa will deploy army to step up fight against organised crime
Egypt announces new gas, oil discoveries in Western Desert
High winds cause injuries, transport disruption in northeast Spain
Infant dies after fire in high-rise building in Berlin
Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children
Infant dies after fire in high-rise building in Berlin
Italy's Lollobrigida wins second gold at Milan-Cortina Games in women's 5,000m speed skating
Trump is ending deportation surge in Minnesota, White House border czar says
Austria's Haemmerle defends Olympic snowboard cross title in epic final

Others Also Read