15 years of Czechoslovak Anarchist Federation

CSAF was founded in August 1995. It is now part of the International of Anarchist Federations. Several hundred active members participated on organizing of dozens of public events, on writing or translating anarchist publications and many other kinds of anti-authoritarian and libertarian activities throughout its history.

Federation’s anniversary was a great excuse for us to set up a reunion of former and current members, although it was not meant to be just a common celebration, but above all a meeting of lectures and discussions on the current situation and the future of local anarchist movement. There was a cultural program as well.

Friday afternoon’s program began with screening of documentary films about the most significant events where the modern Czech anarchist movement took part, followed by a lecture on the current situation in Greece by the group Collectively against capital. Evening’s program ended with a rich vegan feast and the performance of a folksinger.

On Saturday there were several lectures and discussions. Member of Anti-fascist Action held a lecture on role of anarchism in anti-fascist activities in Czech Republic, followed by lecture of a member of CSAF on reflection of 15 years of organizational work in the Federation explaining the positive and negative aspects of Czech anarchist movement’s work throughout its history. He also pointed out on some specific current issues that need to be solved. Editor of the local anarchist journal A-Kontra then held an evaluation of anarchist participation in social movements in the Czech Republic in the last 20 years. As the last lecture the presentation of the activities of one of the local independent anarchist group was held by one of its members. Then the gig of several punk and hardcore bands of current or former activists of CSAF took place.

Sunday’s program continued in a much calmer spirit. Two members of the International Solidarity Movement took a lecture on anarchist possibilities in participation in the fight against the occupation of Palestine, followed by screening of a longer documentary film about protests against the IMF and World Bank summit in Prague in 2000.

Visitors of the meeting could also visit an exhibition describing and explaining the history of CSAF or buy current materials of CSAF or other anarchist groups. The event was funded by voluntary contributions and raffle, where each ticket won.

The whole event was not publicly advertised, yet it was visited by more then a hundred people-current or former members of CSAF and other organized and unorganized anarchists.

Czech report: http://www.csaf.cz/index.php?clanok=1072