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Summary for: After Berlin attack, Prague Pride organizers reassure visitors over safetyAn attack at a Pride-related event in Berlin over the weekend has prompted condemnation from Czech politicians and renewed attention to security preparations ahead of Prague Pride, which begins next month.
A van struck people near Berlin’s Tiergarten park on Saturday evening while a Christopher Street Day (CSD) event supporting LGBT+ rights was taking place in the German capital.
Police responded to the incident, and the suspect was later shot and killed during a police operation. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and disgusting terrorist act.” He also linked the incident to what he described as the consequences of uncontrolled migration and criticized Germany’s 2015 migration policy.
Other Czech politicians also condemned the violence, focusing on the importance of protecting freedom of assembly and rejecting hatred and discrimination.
“Attacking people because of who they are is an attack on the very foundations of a free society,” said STAN MP Karel Dvořák. STAN leader Vít Rakušan expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said hatred has no place in Europe.
Prague Pride organizers respond
The incident comes shortly before Prague Pride, one of the Czech Republic’s largest cultural festivals, takes place in August. Organizers said the safety of visitors remains their top priority and that they are working closely with the Czech Police.
“Safety of our visitors is an absolute priority for us; we are doing everything possible to ensure it,” Prague Pride said in a statement on social networks.
Organizers said police officers will be present throughout the festival and parade, security teams will be stationed at venues, and staff have received training in conflict de-escalation. Backpack checks will also be introduced at the entrance to the festival opening in Pride Village.
"There are no words to ease the pain and no words to express the grief," organisers said following the Berlin attack. "There is no excuse for the horror of this attack."
They added that violence targeting people because of who they are is an attack on the values of diversity, respect and freedom.
Security remains a focus at major public events
The Berlin incident is likely to increase attention on security arrangements at large public gatherings across Europe, including cultural and community events in Czechia.
Prague Pride organizers have said they remain committed to ensuring that participants can attend safely and that additional precautions are part of normal preparations for a large international festival.
Prague Pride will take place in August, with events across the Czech capital.
