The academic senate of the University of Economics convened on Monday, June 26, with a singular item on the agenda: the potential removal of Miroslav Ševčík from his position as the dean of the National Economic Faculty. Concurrently, Akce D.O.S.T., an activist group, organized a demonstration to show support for Ševčík on the same day.

The controversy surrounding Miroslav Ševčík reached its peak in March of this year during the “Czech Republic Against Poverty” demonstration, initiated by Jindřich Rajchl. Ševčík asserts that he unintentionally found himself at the event while walking after lunch and aiding an injured individual near the National Museum. However, he had previously garnered attention by speaking at other protests.

Approximately 150 individuals gathered at Winston Churchill Square, located in front of the University of Economics, to demonstrate their solidarity with Miroslav Ševčík. He arrived prior to the commencement of the event and expressed gratitude to the participants.

Several notable figures, such as Zuzana Majerová, the Chairman of the Tricolors, Vice-Chairman Petr Štěpánek, and the individual whom Ševčík allegedly assisted at the National Museum, delivered speeches in front of the University of Economics. Among the attendees were members of Akce D.O.S.T., writer Lenka Procházková, Josef Skála of D.O.S.T., Jiří Kobza from the SPD, and actor Ivan Vyskočila.

Zuzana Majerová stated before the event that when the entire story is summarized, it boils down to Ševčík standing up for a citizen who was assaulted by the police at the National Museum, subsequently becoming a target of police aggression himself. She deemed the surrounding circumstances as media manipulation and an attempt to remove an outspoken academic official who regularly criticizes Petr Fiala’s government. Majerová opined that it is the rector of the University of Economics, Petr Dvořák, who should contemplate resignation, not Ševčík.

MP Jiří Kobza emphasized that the situation represents a severe suppression of freedom of speech. Pepa Nos, responsible for the musical aspect of the demonstration, expressed his support for Ševčík, reminiscing about how Ševčík attended his concerts during the communist era. Banners displayed slogans such as “Let Ševčík teach! The government deserves dismissal,” “High school of totalitarian practices, let Ševčík teach,” and “Dismissal of Ševčík—the end of democracy in Bohemia.”

Law enforcement and an anti-conflict team were present at the demonstration, ensuring peace and order. The academic senate is currently discussing Ševčík’s potential removal, with the voting expected to conclude no later than 7 pm. Ševčík assured the participants that he would send them a text message with the voting outcome.

Article by Prague Forum