'Punch to the face' - Czechs mark half-century since Soviet invasion

A man looks at a picture, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soviet-led invasion into former Czechoslovakia, placed on a street in Liberec, Czech Republic, August 21, 2018. REUTERS/David W Cerny

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Fifty years ago Soviet tanks rolled into Prague to crush the Czechoslovak Communist government's democratic reforms, ushering in a bloody occupation whose lessons many Czechs fear have been forgotten.

The anniversary, marked by ceremonies, exhibitions and films about the 'Prague Spring' and its brutal suppression that began on Aug. 21, 1968, comes at a time of renewed influence for the long-marginalized Czech Communist Party in national politics.