NID: CZECHOSLOVAKIA: ANNIVERSARY MAY PROVOKE CONFRONTATIONS

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: The Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe: A 30-Year Legacy
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06826755
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 26, 2019
• Document Release Date: December 10, 2019
• Publication Date: August 16, 1989

Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826755
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CZECHOSLOVAKIA: Anniversary May Provoke Confrontations
Czechoslovak authorities and dissidents are expecting major
confrontations at demonstrations on Monday to mark the anniversary
of the 1968 Soviet invasion.
large demonstrations are expected in Prague and other major cities
in Czechoslovakia
six dissident groups plan peaceful marches in
cities throughout Czechoslovakia, but prominent activists believe
the risk of violence is high. They fear that the regime will try to
provoke violent confrontations and that some young
demonstrators are prepared to risk death.
Comment: Demonstrations are likely to take place in Prague and
also may occur in cities in Bohemia and Moravia. The
demonstrations will probably be smaller than the authorities fear,
but the regime's intense condemnation of the opposition in recent
weeks
nonetheless show its increasing doubt that it can
continue to control the populace. If it uses violence to suppress
peaceful demonstrations, the regime risks losing more support from
the party rank and file, accelerating the erosion of its authority
among the populace, and isolating itself further from reformist
Bloc countries, including the USSR
Dissidents probably see the rallies as a chance to enhance their
prestige and to support their claim of growing popular support.
They run the risk of losing momentum if the demonstrations are
poorly attended in Pra le and elsewhere.
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TCS 2890/89
16 August 1989
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Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826755