CPI Condemns the Criminalization of Communism in the Czech Republic

Czech Communists rally in Prague in 2022 -- image via the KSCM

In response to the profoundly anti-democratic move by the Czech Chamber of Deputies on May 30 to approve an amendment to Section 403 of Czechia’s criminal code that could make the “promotion of communism” punishable by up to five years in prison the National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued today the following statement on June 9:

The Communist Party of India strongly condemns the recent anti-communist legislation passed by the Parliament of the Czech Republic on May 30, 2025. The draconian amendment to the Czech Penal Code, which seeks to criminalize all forms of support and promotion of the communist movement, is a direct attack on democratic rights, freedom of thought, and political pluralism.

This legislation represents a dangerous attempt to erase the rich legacy of Czech communists who, since the early 20th century, have played a pivotal role in the fight against fascism, in advancing workers’ rights, and in building a just and equitable society. The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM), a legal and democratic political force with an active presence in national and European parliaments, has consistently stood for the values of international solidarity, peace, social justice, and cooperation.

The CPI stands in full solidarity with the comrades of the KSČM in their firm and courageous resistance to this discriminatory legislation. As rightly stated by the KSČM, no repressive law can silence the truth or suppress the values that communists uphold. History has repeatedly shown that communism cannot be banned or erased—it grows from the struggles of the people against exploitation and oppression.

The Communist Party of India views this development as part of a broader trend of neofascist resurgence and anti-communist hysteria being promoted across the globe by imperialist forces and reactionary regimes. Such measures are aimed at criminalizing dissent and protecting the interests of the ruling elite by silencing progressive and revolutionary voices.

We recall that the communists in many countries have faced similar persecution. Yet the communist movement has endured and advanced, rooted in the people’s struggles. The Czech communists, with their legacy of resistance and commitment to democratic values, will surely overcome these challenges.

See also: Communists will never be silenced!: KSCM stands against Czech anti-communist laws