Mayor of Prague under threat: these grave attacks on democracy must stop

Joint Statement – European Green Party / The Greens in the Committee of the Regions

Mr Zdeněk Hřib (CZ/Pirate Party), Mayor of Prague and member of the Greens in the Committee of the Regions, has been under the protection of Czech police due to security threats from a foreign power for more than four weeks. Such direct threats to his personal safety must be taken with extreme severity as they undermine values of democracy and freedom.  

Mr Hřib has been the Mayor of Prague since 2018. In his role, he is boldly and consistently working towards better policies on democracy, freedom, justice and human rights. He has gained international attention as a defender of local authorities, both nationally as well as on a more global scale.  

The Greens in the Committee of the Regions disapprove of any threats to personal safety and express deep worry for such developments. Mr Hřib’s personal security must be ensured to allow the continuation of his important and legitimate work both in Prague and as a member of the Committee of the Regions.  

The European Green Party cannot accept violations of international law and the norms of global cooperation. In particular in countries where democratic standards are often under attack by populist parties, local democracy and its representatives are a strong line of protection for the rule of law and fundamental rights. The safety of local elected representatives, and the defense of their ability to fully exercise the mandates with which they have been entrusted must be a priority.

Valentin Dupouey
Head of the Communication Unit / Press Officer
valentin.dupouey@europeangreens.eu
+32 (0) 485 93 99 26

European Green Party
Rue Wiertz 31, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
www.europeangreens.eu​

Saana Mirala
The Greens | Political Assistant 
saana.mirala@cor.europa.eu​
+32 2 282 2586

European Committee of the Regions
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101 | 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel | BELGIQUE/BELGIË​
www.cor.europa.eu​