Czech Republic: Racism and fascism (3)
01 January 1991
Czech Republic: Racism and fascism
artdoc April=1995
Anti-Gypsy racism
Another Romany murdered
Ladislaw Kroka, a Romany from Brno, died on 28 November, a few
days after three skinheads attacked and stabbed him in his home
(Romnews no. 22, 15.11.94).
Lenient sentences for killers of Tibor Danihel
Two skinheads have been sent to prison for one year for their
part in the killing of the 17-year-old Romany, Tibor Danihel, who
drowned in the river Otava in September `93 when trying to escape
a racist gang. Eighteen skinheads were originally charged, but
the court freed fourteen suspects, arguing that there was a lack
of evidence against them. The two other accused failed to attend
the court (Romnews no. 25, 6.12.94).
De-citizenised Gypsies face destitution
Two hundred Romany families from the town of Karvina, near
Ostrava in Moravia, are no longer eligible for state benefits and
have been homeless for several months. They lost their Czech
citizenship last June as they were unable to produce proof of
official employment on a government-registered job.
Now the Romany, many who have been forced to rummage through
dustbins for food and clothing, are also under police
investigation as a municipality clerk is suspected of taking
money in return for issuing illegal citizenship certificates to
them (Romnews no. 22, 15.11.94).
Far-Right leader arrested and released
The head of the Republican party, Miroslav Sladek, was released
from police custody after being charged with attacking police
officers and creating a public disorder during a demonstration
in Prague on 28 October. Sladek, who had gone missing, was
actually arrested while trying to enter Austria. Prosecutors say
investigations into the alleged offences will continue (Balkan
News 20.11.94).
IRR European Race Audit, Bulletin no 12, March 1995. Contact: Liz
Fekete, Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke Street, London
WC1X 9HS. Tel: 0171 837 0041