Karolina SedlackovaThe Czech Supreme Court has overturned a verdict from 1966, which sentenced 14 young men for protesting the forced cutting of their hair by the police. In the 1960s, Czechoslovakia was under Communist rule, and the government controlled personal aspects like fashion and grooming. Long hair on men was seen as a Western influence and a statement of resistance. The government responded by prohibiting long-haired men from accessing public transport, cinemas, theatres, or pubs, and even had police chase and arrest them, forcefully cutting their hair.
In August 1966, a protest in Prague against these measures led to the arrest of 140 people and the conviction of 14, with seven men sentenced to prison terms of up to 16 months. The recent court decision brings justice to these men, eight of whom have passed away. The case was brought to the court by two of the men, Martin Maryska and Miloš Turek, who can now seek material compensation from the Ministry of Justice. The ruling applies to all 14 men, even posthumously.
For more details, you can read the original article on Prague Morning.
