Slovakia commemorates anniversary of 1988 candle demonstration

For many, Bratislava's candle demonstration on the evening of March 25, 1988 heralded the beginning of the end for the communist regime, being one of the most important public acts of resistance at the time. Demonstrators at the event called for religious freedom and human rights for the persecuted Catholic communities, with around 2000 individuals amassing at Hviezdoslav Square and thousands more occupying the adjacent streets. Protestors expressed their opposition by simply burning candles and praying. The state police however responded with violence; employing batons and water cannons as well as arrests and interrogations. The peaceful protest and its harsh retaliation brought the eyes of the world to Bratislava, with the BBC, the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Vatican Radio broadcasting news regarding the event. The Czechoslovak government released their own propaganda report on the event, explaining it as an unsuccessful attempt by some individuals to exploit the religious beliefs of others. To commemorate 27 years since this fateful evening, Christian organisations have arranged a general assembly at Hviezdoslav Square today at 16:00, followed by a mass at St Martin's Cathedral at 18:00.