On May 1, 2015, in Brno, Czech Republic, around 1,500 to 2,000 individuals gathered to oppose a May Day procession organized by the extremist group “Dělnická mládež” (Worker Youth). The protesters blocked access routes to Malinovského Square while chanting slogans like “Náckové ven z Brna” (Nazis out of Brno). The situation escalated as the police intervened to separate the opposing groups, deploying hundreds of riot officers, mounted police, and even a helicopter...
The New Nationalism at the Heart of Europe is a large photo and video-art project, in which Tomáš Rafa maps the public manifestations of nationalism, extreme right, racism and lack of tolerance in different countries. Since 2009, the artist documents meetings of radical and revolutionary groups, but also the anti-government and anti-extremist demonstrations, marches and supporting events for the rights of the minorities or clashes of anti-Fascists with supporters of ultra right movements. read more
Thousands of refugees have crossed from Serbia into Croatia after being stranded in deteriorating conditions for days. The United Nations refugee agency estimates that 2,000 to 3,000 people were allowed to enter Croatia, which will likely increase the strain on neighboring Slovenia. The situation has worsened as Turkey insists it should not be expected to turn into a “concentration camp” for refugees, even if it tightens its borders. Turkey’s prime minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu...
The Medyka-Shehyni border crossing has become emblematic of the humanitarian and racial complexities that emerged in the early days of the war in Ukraine. While Poland opened its borders to millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion in February 2022, the initial wave of solidarity revealed underlying racial biases and inequities in the treatment of refugees. The Humanitarian Divide During the first days of the conflict, images of long lines at the Medyka crossing were broadcast...
On November 11th, 2014, Poland celebrated its Independence Day, but the day was marred by violence during the Marsz Niepodleglosci (March of Independence) organized by far-right groups. Tens of thousands of participants marched through the streets of Warsaw to mark the anniversary of Polish independence, but a group of several hundred masked men broke away from the main march and threw stones and flares at lines of riot police. The police responded by using water cannons and rubber bullets to...
New York, USA, 11.2.2012. On February 11th Occupy Town Square at the West Park Presbyterian Church on west 86th St brought together activists young and old, seasoned veterans and newcomers, Marxists, anarchists, socialists, bloggers, screen-printers, dreamers, and me. Walking in I found myself unexpectedly incredibly moved by the atmosphere of camaraderie and, dare I say it, family. It felt so good to be together again in solidarity, occupying the same space, with my brothers and sisters in...
Vienna, June 11, 2016 – A far-right Identitarian movement staged a high-profile protest in the heart of Vienna, igniting fervent discussions about their ideology and raising concerns about the rise of nationalist sentiments in Europe. The demonstration, held under the banner of “Defending Europe,” attracted both supporters and critics, prompting a closer examination of the movement’s objectives and the implications for the broader political landscape. The Identitarian...
On October 18, 2021, hundreds of people gathered in front of the National Council in Bratislava to defend women’s reproductive rights. The demonstration, held under the slogan “Nebudeme ticho” (We Will Not Be Silent), responded to a new parliamentary proposal that sought to restrict access to abortion and impose additional barriers on women seeking reproductive healthcare. Organized by feminist and human rights initiatives, the event brought together activists, students, artists, and civic...
On July 20th, 2019, a Pride parade in the city of Bialystok, Poland turned violent when far-right groups clashed with LGBTQ activists. However, as the parade began, counter-protesters began to hurl insults and objects at the marchers, including rocks, bottles, and firecrackers. Some counter-protesters even attempted to break through police barriers to physically attack the parade participants. The violence continued to escalate throughout the day, with police using tear gas and water cannons to...
On November 11, 2024, thousands of participants once again took part in the annual Marsz Niepodległości (Independence March) in Warsaw. Organized by nationalist associations and supported by far-right leaders such as Robert Bąkiewicz, the march followed its traditional route through the capital, accompanied by Polish flags, patriotic slogans, and banners. As in previous years, the event was controversial. Critics highlighted the presence of extremist groups and xenophobic symbols, warning that...
On 25 March 2025, Erik Ždiľa, a student at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, presented his work Hymna (Anthem) in front of the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava. The work was a sound installation in which a compressed-air compressor played the Slovak national anthem on a set of beer bottles. The work was presented in front of the Slovak National Gallery as part of the relay protest Art Will Not Be Silent! The relay protest took place in front of the Slovak National Gallery...
On 11 November 2013, Warsaw once again witnessed the Marsz Niepodległości (Independence March), one of Europe’s largest far-right gatherings. Under the slogan Idzie nowe pokolenie! (“A new generation is coming!”), the organisers—Młodzież Wszechpolska and ONR—presented the event as the symbolic rise of a renewed nationalist youth. Tens of thousands joined the march, filling the city centre with Polish flags, flares and chants calling for national sovereignty and cultural purity. Although framed...
Czech republic
V78: Antifa blockade of the March of Neo fascists against refugees and Islam in Prague
On February 6, 2016, thousands of people gathered in Prague to protest against refugees and Islam. The demonstration was organized by the anti-immigrant group Block Against Islam, and was attended by far-right groups from across Europe. The protesters, many of whom carried Czech flags and banners with anti-refugee slogans, marched through the city center, stopping at the Czech government headquarters and the Ministry of the Interior to voice their opposition to the country’s immigration...