Czechs, in a little over a week’s time, will be marking the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which began on November 17, 1989 following a brutal crackdown against students by the communist riot police.

The legacy of two dates in Czechoslovak history, 17 November 1939 and 1989, was commemorated on Thursday by students and representatives of Charles University. “We are gathering together to honour the memory of the students and their brave fight for freedom,” CU Rector Milena Králíčková said.

International Students' Day was marked on Friday 17 November by citizens, students, and academics across the Czech Republic. Traditionally, ceremonies in Prague included representatives of Charles University.

As was reported in the international and domestic media, an unprecedented tragedy unfolded at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague in the afternoon hours of Thursday 21 December. Fourteen people lost their lives and dozens more were injured.

Thousands of people, including many students and staff, took part in a commemorative event at Charles University on Thursday, 4 January – fourteen days after an unprecedented tragedy unfolded at the Faculty of Arts.

The mass shooting that took place at the Faculty of Arts last December changed the university and the whole of society to the core, causing profound sadness and heartache. A new documentary looking at the tragedy and the healing process will air on Czech TV on 21 December.