Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Communist Regime
June 27, Friday
Historical context
* On June 27, 1950, Milada Horáková, Jan Buchal, Oldřich Pecl, and Záviš Kalandra were hanged in Prague's Pankrác prison as part of a fabricated trial by the communists.
* Horáková, a former member of parliament and human rights defender, became a symbol of resistance to the communist regime.
* Between 1948 and 1989, more than 205,000 people were arrested for political reasons, about 250 were executed, over 4,500 died in prisons, 327 were killed while trying to escape, and nearly 171,000 emigrated.
How it is observed
Among the main activities:
* Ceremonies at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism on Petřín Hill in Prague (sculpture by Olbram Zoubek)
* Moments of silence and wreath-laying at Pankrác prison and in other cities (e.g., Kutná Hora)
* Participation by state officials, politicians, church representatives, civic organizations, and former political prisoners
* Marches through the streets of Prague, where students sometimes wear prison uniforms to draw attention to historical justice
* Exhibitions, lectures, and educational events focused on remembering the victims and preventing a return of totalitarianism
Importance to society
This day serves several key purposes:
* Honors the memory of the victims of communist show trials and repression
* Contributes to understanding the scale of the regime’s crimes and reinforces democratic values
* The image of Milada Horáková has become a symbol of courage and resistance to injustice
* Acts as a reminder of the importance of historical memory and education in society
Connection with other commemorative initiatives
* The memorial on Petřín Hill was inaugurated in May 2002, created by Olbram Zoubek, and is recognized as a significant place of remembrance
* August 23 is marked in the EU as Black Ribbon Day in memory of the victims of all totalitarian regimes, including communism