ANTI-MUSLIM HATE IN CZECH REPUBLIC ON RISE
antimuslim sign and pig blood on the mosque in Prague
In last decade Czech Republic experienced several waves of hateful anti-Roma demonstrations, marches and riots. It seems that the situation is repeating but this time Roma were replaced by Muslism as the victims of hate.
Czech Republic almost lacks Muslim comumnity as a country. Few thousand people mostly living in Prague, second biggest city Brno or spa town Teplice. Strong initiative “Islám v ČR nechceme – IVČRN” became very active and organizes a series of hateful anti-Muslim demonstrations.
First anti-Muslim demonstration happened on 16th January in Prague. Demonstration was supported by top mainstream politicians (MPs).
Second demonstration organized on 31th January on the Old-Town Square in Prague had a counter demonstration organized by Společně žít v míru (Living Together In Peace) a Christian organization led by evangelical pastor Mikuláš Vymětal, with the support of Konexe civic association.
Living Together in Peace counter demonstration on the Old Town Square in Prague 31th January 2015
The counter demonstrants – pastor Mikuláš Vymětal and Roma activist Ivanka Čonková- were assaulted verbally by the anti-Muslim demonstrants and then arrested by the police for holding Czech-Roma flag. Czech flag is protected as a state symbol by the Czech law which makes illegal desecration of flag. see pictures from the counter demonstration here
Another “spontaneous” anti-Muslim demonstration happened on 7th February in front of the building of the mosque in Prague. This event had the same scenario as the anti-Roma demonstrations from recent years. Anti-Muslim demonstrators gathered in front of the target building and chanted anti-Muslim slogans to terrify the people inside. The same mosque was attacked the night before the demonstration. Anonymous attackers from the fascist group pro-vlast.org (For the Homeland) used several litres of pig blood (a bucket) and poured the blood on the fence and the maindoor of the mosque. see the video published by the attackers.
Next demonstration organized by IVČRN is coming on 14th February in Brno.
