This Christmas most people’s thoughts are with the victims of the Prague gunman
Just one day before the Czech Republic was due to begin its Christmas celebrations, it held a national day of mourning for the victims of the worst mass shooting in its history.
Flags flew at half mast and a minute’s silence was held at noon for the 14 people killed by a lone shooter on 21 December in the arts faculty at Prague’s Charles University. Images of students hiding from the killer on narrow ledges high above the street horrified the peaceful central European country, where mass violence is extremely rare.
Despite freezing cold and persistent rain, mourners continued to gather at makeshift memorials across the country. Thousands of people, including President Petr Pavel and other top Czech politicians, filled the huge gothic St Vitus Cathedral, where the archbishop of Prague said mass for the victims.
“I’m not at all religious, but I felt I had to come today,” said Filip, 26, who also studies at Charles University. He said he was devastated by the loss of fellow students and felt helpless. “I had to do something, even if it doesn’t help those who lost their lives.”
The city’s famous Christmas markets were shuttered and sporting events were cancelled on Saturday. The government said all public events that could “disrupt the dignity of the state mourning” should be called off.
Friends Francisca Torres from Chile and Mari Takata from Japan, both studying in Bristol, said they had come to Prague to visit the Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere.
