Prague, 23 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) – The Czech Republic held an official day of mourning on Saturday for the victims of the Charles University shooting in Prague earlier in the week.

Flags flew at half-mast on public buildings and black ribbons were attached. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called for a minute of silence at noon (1100 GMT). Retailers said they would observe the minute of silence.

Many pre-Christmas events were cancelled, and state television ran a special programme.

A student opened fire on Thursday afternoon from the main building of the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University on Jan Palach Square, killing 14 people and injuring 25.

According to Prague police, the gunman, who legally owned a large arsenal, then shot himself. He is believed to have killed his father before the mass shooting in central Prague and a man and his daughter a week ago.

Mourning services were also being held in Prague's St Vitus Cathedral and in other churches. Mourners laid flowers and lit candles in front of the university buildings.

Names of some of those killed have been released, including that of Lenka Hlavkova, head of the university Institute for Musical Studies. Condolence messages came in from all over the world.

Photo: EPA