ACADEMIC SENATE OF THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PRAGUE RESOLUTION ON THE NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS BY TOMIO OKAMURA, CHAIRMAN OF THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES OF THE PARLIAMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The Academic Senate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague unequivocally and fundamentally opposes the content of the New Year's speech by the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr. Tomio Okamura, which it considers highly inappropriate, irresponsible, and incompatible with the dignity of one of the highest constitutional offices in a democratic state.

The Academic Senate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague states that this speech uses manipulative language, deliberate distortions, and generalizations that promote the polarization of society and undermine the fundamental principles of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, in particular respect for human dignity, justice, equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, it considers it unacceptable for the public sphere to be abused from a position of constitutional authority to spread fear and mistrust at a time when society is facing serious political, economic, and security challenges that require responsibility, objectivity, and the ability to conduct a civilized public dialogue.

We therefore express our deep concern that such statements are coming from the highest levels of government and call on constitutional officials to respect the values of a democratic society, which includes a free and autonomous academic community.