1968, troops from five Warsaw Pact states led by the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia, ending hopes for political reforms and silencing free academic debate. At Masaryk University, formerly Jan Evangelista Purkyne University, students and faculty strongly protested the occupation, issuing declarations against the violation of sovereignty and suppression of freedoms.
Today, on the 57th anniversary, historians and academics at Masaryk University emphasize the continuing relevance of this chapter in light of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Prorector Jiří Hanuš noted that the events of 1968 resonate with current Russian imperial ambitions, while Russian historian Andrej Zubov, now a visiting professor at the university, highlighted the striking similarities between the Brezhnev-led invasion and Putin’s current policies.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of academic solidarity, free debate, and support for nations defending their independence.
Source: Masaryk University
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