Czech activists launch petition to block Ye concert in Prague

Czech human rights activists are petitioning to stop a possible concert by American rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in Prague, citing security concerns and the artist’s history of antisemitic statements.

About three dozen signatories, including lawyers, artists, filmmakers, human rights advocates, and former ombudsman Anna Šabatov, sent an open letter to Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda on Wednesday, urging him to prevent the event.

They argue a Ye concert would “glorify wartime violence” and “humiliate victims of the Nazi regime,” noting the rapper has praised Adolf Hitler, relativized Nazism, released a song titled Heil Hitler in May, and sold swastika-emblazoned T-shirts.

Slovak media outlet Aktuality.sk reported Tuesday that Ye’s show was being moved from July’s cancelled Rubikon festival near Bratislava to Prague, though no Czech promoter has confirmed it. The Slovak petition against his appearance drew similar criticism.

The Czech petition warns that the concert could attract extremists from across Europe and threaten public safety. Signatories are asking the mayor to work with authorities, venue operators, and organizers to block the performance.

According to Slovak media, a new promoter is finalizing details for the Prague concert, and ticket holders from the cancelled festival can exchange them for Prague tickets or request refunds. International media reported that Ye was recently denied a visa to Australia after releasing a song praising Hitler.