Hunger strike in the Czech Republic against US National Missile "Defense" project

Prague; May 12, 2008

Dear friends,

We are writing to you to inform you of a very serious issue facing the Czech Republic and Europe as a continent – the plan of the current US administration to install two new military bases in Central Europe as part of National Missile Defense system of the USA.

For nearly two years we have been involved in a non-violent struggle to prevent our government from participating in this dangerous project. However, in spite the fact that two thirds of Czechs oppose this project our government continues the negotiations with the US government and is nearing to signing the treaty at the beginning of June. In fact, the treaty was supposed to be signed by US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and the Czech government on May 5. The date has now been postponed by one month, but the plan remains the same.

Therefore with a couple of friends in the Humanist movement we have decided to start a hunger strike against this plan. My friend Jan Bednar and I are starting tomorrow and we would like to ask for your support.

We know that there are many people, political parties and organizations across Europe and the world who disagree with the armament projects of the current US administration. We believe that you are one of them. Therefore we would like you to join us in this nonviolent protest.

We already know of cities in Italy, Germany, Hungary and Denmark where different groups will organize events in support of our hunger strike and to show solidarity with us. Some of them will organize demonstrations or hunger strikes with permanent presence at a central location. Clearly they will contact local media to inform about their activity and the dangers of the missile defense system.

We believe that by acting together we have a possibility to stop this project. The position of our government is very weak and so strong international opposition can make them change their position on this issue. So your help is of importance.

If it is not possible for you to establish a permanent presence somewhere in your town or city, but still want to support us, please send us a letter expressing your support and please send letter of protest to Czech embassy, your government, European parliament, etc.

It is very important that media gives space to our protest.
Thank you for any kind of support and let’s stop this project together!

Jan Tamáš
Humanist movement
Czech Republic