It has been 54 years since philosophy student Jan Palach committed self-immolation at Prague鈥檚 Wenceslas Square. A student of Charles University, Palach鈥檚 demonstration was a protest in response to the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia and the Warsaw Pact. In a letter he wrote, Palach stated his sacrifice was in demand of the abolition of censorship and a ban on the distribution of a Soviet newspaper, Zpravy, which spread propaganda in support of occupation and communism.
In the days following Palach鈥檚 immolation, a hunger strike took place in Wenceslas Square. Students gathering in support filled the square, a peaceful stand in support of Palach鈥檚 message. It began a series of protests sweeping through Prague and eventually Europe.
Palach died on Jan 19, 1969, just 3 days after his demonstration. His funeral was attended by thousands. Following his death, sculptor Olbram Zoubek took a cast of Palach鈥檚 face, also known as a death mask. The mask was originally meant to create a bust of Palach but was instead used to create a metal placard that is displayed at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University
Remaining a symbol of resistance after his death, Palach鈥檚 grave became a pilgrimage. Considering it a threat to communism, in July of 1973 his bronze headstone was removed and melted down. By October of that same year, the Palach family was pressured by the secret police to exhume Palach鈥檚 body and have him cremated. The grave was not restored until 1990. It has since returned as a symbol of the fight against communism.
In January of 1989, a week-long demonstration, known as 鈥淧alach Week鈥, signaled the end of totalitarian rule. Palach Week has continued to be observed today, the lasting impression seen in both the Czech Republic and across Europe.
Many memorials of Palach have been erected since 1969, both across the Czech Republic and Europe. An engraved cross currently lies built into the square where Palach committed the act. Many cities have honored Palach with streets, rivers, and squares named after him. Post-Velvet Revolution, several high schools and even elementary schools also took to honoring his name. Many of these memorials are the site of countless commemorative events and celebrations such as silent marches and vigils every year.
A film, released in 2018, was made about Jan Palach and his captivating story. It was awarded Best film in the Czech Film Critics鈥 Awards 2018.
Written by: Kelsey McDade
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Fodor, Anna, 鈥樷淗e wanted to wake up our citizens鈥: Jan Palach remembered鈥, Radio Prague International, 2023, , (Accessed January 18, 2023).