Out of the total number of 426, 626 detected crimes committed in the Czech Republic in 1999, extremist or racial crimes accounted for 0.07%, i.e. 316 offences (in 1998 – 0.03%, i.e.133 offences); of which 86,4%, i.e. 273 offences were cleared up (in 1998 – 75.2%, i.e. 100 offences). This kind of crime was recorded, to a certain extent, with a different intensity and nature in all regions of the Czech Republic. In the regions these kinds of crimes were projected to different districts to a different extent.49 434 persons were prosecuted for 316 committed offences. In comparison with 1998, the increase by 137.6% (+183) in 1999 of offences with an extremist subtext was recorded. The number of prosecuted offenders of such crimes rose by 135.9% (+250 persons). This substantial rise reflects the higher number of prosecuted persons involved in the support and propagation of movements aimed at suppressing citizens’ rights and freedoms (according to Section 261 of the Criminal Code), and proves a higher quality of police work in the field of extremism, including operational work. At the same time, the higher number of complaints lodged by the members of Roma community is included.
Mostly skinheads and anarcho-autonomous supporters commit crimes of extremist nature.
In 1999, the number of crimes with an extremist motive increased while the numbers of supporters of the skinhead movement and anarcho-autonomous scene decreased in the Czech Republic.50 The total number of the supporters of those extremist movements represented 7,580 – 7,680 persons (in 1998 there were 8,750 – 9,350 persons); i.e. there was a total decline by 13.3% up to 17.8%. In the Czech Republic, there were 7.4 – 7.5 persons supporting extremist movements per 10,000 inhabitants. The number of right-wing extremist supporters of skinheads (hereinafter ”skinhead movement supporters”) recorded in the Czech Republic dropped by 11.9% up to 16.3%, the number of anarcho-autonomous supporters fell down by 15.9% - 20.5%. The highest number of persons inclined towards those ideologies was recorded in South Moravia (1700 - 1800; 2800-3400 in1998), in Prague (1490; 2430 in 1998) followed by North Moravia (1210; 690 in 1998) and North Bohemia (1000; 1250 in 1998).51 In comparison with 1998, the highest increase of such persons was recorded in North Moravia (+ 75%), out of which the increase among skinhead movement supporters was almost 99%, while the number of anarcho-autonomists fell (- 9%). A marked decline of skinhead movement supporters (39% - 47%) and anarcho-autonomists (50% - 53%, while in 1998 there was an increase by 250-300%) was recorded in South Moravia. Compared with 1998, a rise in supporters of extremist ideologies was registered in Central Bohemia (+ 25%), South Bohemia (+ 23%), and East Bohemia (+20%). An increase in the number of anarcho-autonomists was observed in the same regions, by 50% (Central Bohemia), by 70% (South Bohemia) and by 193% (East Bohemia) while the growth in skinhead movement supporters was registered only in Central Bohemia (+17%).
Prague occupied without any doubt the first place in the Czech Republic in terms of the absolute number of crimes recorded (72), the number of crimes per 10, 000 inhabitants (0.6), and the number of persons inclined towards extremism per 10, 000 inhabitants (12.5). South Bohemia occupied the second place in terms of the number of persons supporting extremist ideas and the third place in the number of crimes committed per 10,000 inhabitants (while it was the 6th in terms of the absolute number of crimes committed). West Bohemia can be considered a specific area in terms of active operations by Blood&Honour organisation supporters. Although West Bohemia occupied 8th place in terms of the absolute number of crimes committed and the numbers of crimes per 10,000 inhabitants, it was 3rd in the Republic in terms of the number of crimes recorded; in terms of the number of crimes per 10,000 inhabitants it was 2nd in the Czech Republic.
The aforementioned figures represent approximate estimations made by police specialists registering approximate numbers of persons both with a right-wing and left-wing extremist orientation who commit crimes or are potential offenders of crimes.
There are some differences between the crimes committed by right-wing extremists and left-wing extremists. The first difference can be described as quantitative – the majority of crimes solved by the state authorities are connected with right-wing extremist movements. This fact has however more aspects – one of them is without any doubt the higher sensitivity related to right-wing extremist symbols and their verbal violence. The other difference is the subject of attacks – crimes with racial or xenophobia motivation (and their prosecution) are frequent while attacks on individuals derived from their social or class position are almost unknown or they are not prosecuted as such (due to the fact that they are not reported). The reasons are social, cultural and historical and their analysis exceeds the framework and purpose of this Report. The attacks of left-wing extremists are focused on representatives of state power. Right-wing extremists, on the other the hand, focus on personal targets which represent a system or globalisation, etc.
From both sides, there were attempts to set off conflicts during the ”opponents’” public events. There were also direct conflicts between anarcho-autonomists and skinheads.52 Since the trend described above is well-known in Prague, As an example, several events held outside Prague can be mentioned as an example. For example in Rakovník 10 supporters of the National Alliance, who arrived by train, were assaulted by 50 or 60 members of the anarcho-autonomous movement (on 25th September 1999). In Pilsen, after the Local Street Party had broken up, there was a scrap between 8 participants of that event and 3 skinhead movement supporters, who were injured (2nd October 1999). In Liberec, there was a skirmish between 5 skinhead movement supporters and a group of 15 anarcho-autonomous movement supporters. A more serious incident was prevented by the police patrol that was passing by (19th November 1999). The next day, as a reprisal, skinheads assaulted anarcho-autonomous movement supporters in a restaurant (20th November 1999).
In 1999, more policemen were assaulted by extremist group supporters, which underlines the current trend on the extremist scene whose typical feature is contempt for general human values and for state authorities.
In 1999, no terrorist crimes were committed in connection with extremism.53 Since 1990, 27 cases of using booby traps showing signs of terrorism were recorded in the Czech Republic. To date, only three cases have been cleared up. These are: the explosions in Ostrava – Frydlantské mosty (27th April 1998), in Prague (Jilská Street, 6th September 1998) and in Olomouc (near the District Court on 29th January 1997). By assessing the cases of explosions and detection of boopy traps, which have not been cleared up yet, it is possible to guess that 7 cases might have had a racial subtext.
In 1999 no murder or severe injury to health causing death was committed. However, serious cases of aggressive attacks of skinhead movement supporters against Roma citizens or breaches of the peace were registered in the Czech Republic.
From the police point of view, the following cases ranked among such offences: a skinhead attack against the Roma guests of the Modrá hvězda (Blue Star) restaurant in České Budějovice and an attack of masked men against Roma and mixed families living in the homestead in Dvorek in the Třebíč district in South Moravia.
The case of the attack in the Modrá hvězda restaurant was the most important and widely watched. On 20th November 1999 at about 11.30 p.m. skinhead movement supporters, after mutually agreeing and shouting ”We are going for Gypsies!”, used violence to enter the restaurant Modrá hvězda in České Budějovice,where they physically assaulted the guests of the restaurant who were predominantly members of Roma community. They shouted ”Gypsies to gas!” and ”Sieg Heil!” They damaged the furniture and equipment of the restaurant as well as the cars parked in front of the restaurant. After that they assaulted the guests of the Mondo bar and they were held back. The Czech police approach was investigated in connection with this case and the case itself was devoted maximum attention by the then Minister of Interior, the Police President as well as by the Director of the Czech Bureau of Investigation. 24 persons were prosecuted according to Sections 196/2,3; 202/2; 257/1 of the Criminal Code for crimes committed in complicity and according to Section 9/2 of the Criminal Code. This case has been under continued investigation.
As a mass breach of the peace, the Czech police perceived the series of Street Parties to be the most important incidents. They reached a climax on 18th June 1999 when the building of the US embassy was attacked. There was also an attempt by anarcho-autonomous movement supporters to call a clash with skinheads on 1st May 1999 in the environs of Střelecký Island.
In the year monitored, the most frequent ways used to commit crimes did not differ from the previous years. They were as follows:
In 1999, the shift towards hidden forms of racially motivated crimes recorded in 1998, continued in racially motivated attacks and in spreading racial and national intolerance through print-outs and self-published books (so-called samizdat). The direct, open attacks disappeared from their pages and they were substituted by ambiguous texts or by including postscripts to historical works and to fiction with the aim to make detection of such crimes more difficult.55
In connection with the nature of verbal offences committed by the members of right-wing extremist we should mention Vladimír Skoupý, a regional leader of the civic association National Alliance.56 On 1st November 1999 he was notified of a charge according to Section 198 par. 1(a) of the Criminal Code – Incitement of National and Racial Hatred. He committed this crime on 28th October 1999 when, during a public assembly of the National Alliance, he said: ”I have already mentioned this publicly and I repeat it again, I refuse to believe cock-and-bull stories about the holocaust. There were no six million, there were no gas chambers, there was no Jewish extermination, there was no Gypsy extermination, and if it had been true by a chance, if a holocaust had existed, I can say only one thing: ”Is a Czech man, a real hero, and moreover a legionnaire, of a lower value than an Isaac or a Lakatosh?” He committed unlawful conduct again in Rakovník as a regional leader of the National Alliance association by publishing articles in the Vlajka journal. He was notified of a charge according to Sections198a par. 1 of the Criminal Code, 260 par.1, 2 (a) of the Criminal Code and Section198 par. 1(a) of the Criminal Code (incitement of racial and national hatred; support and propagation of movements aimed at suppressing citizens’ rights and freedom; defamation of a nation, race or conviction).57
In 1999, 319 crimes with extremist motives were registered in the criminal statistics in the Czech Republic. The majority of such crimes were committed in Prague (72), North Moravia (54), South Moravia (54), West Bohemia (39), and North Bohemia (30), followed by East Bohemia (27), South Bohemia (21) and Central Bohemia (19).59
In 1999, the increase in crimes with an extremist motivation did not stop in North Moravia which accounted for 28.6% (in 1998- 42 offences). The highest occurrence of extremist crimes was registered, as in the last year, in the Karviná and the Jeseník districts and in the city of Ostrava. We can also add to those places, Nový Jičín and Opava districts. South Moravia, where in 1998 the decline of crimes of an extremist nature was recorded to be 29.4% (24 offences; in 1997 34 offences) experienced an increase 1999 in comparison with 1998 by 125%. However, the highest number of such crimes recorded, as in 1998, was in the Brno - město and Zlín districts, which cannot be compared with any other districts. In North Bohemia, the crime rate decreased by 9.1% (in 1998 - 33 offences); in this region the highest increase of crimes with extremist motivation was recorded in the Most district (6 cases, in 1998 –1 case) followed by the Česká Lípa, Litoměřice, Ústí n/Labem, and the Teplice districts.
The most affected areas or districts in the regions in 1999 were as follows:60
Generally, there is obviously a different ratio in terms of crime nature between the most affected regions (the Capital City of Prague, North Moravia, South Moravia, West Bohemia, North Bohemia) and the less affected regions (Central Bohemia, South Bohemia, and East Bohemia).
The most frequent crime in the more affected regions (except for West Bohemia) was physical assualt (50% cases). The numbers of such crimes committed in Prague are striking (63%), which is conditioned by a nature of a large conurbation – high anonymity of persons and higher concentrations of people inclined towards crime. Moreover, a half of all crimes committed were accompanied by verbal attacks. Verbal attacks were registered in only about 31% of the cases.
In less affected regions, mainly verbal attacks were observed (about 53% cases). Physical assaults accounted for 19% and they were, as in the more affected regions, accompanied by verbal attacks. However, in Central Bohemia, physical assaults accounted for only 8% of the monitored crimes. The concentration of music performances of skinhead movement supporters was typical for this region. The majority of crimes having an extremist nature were committed, within this region, in Kutná Hora, where there is also the highest unemployment rate.
The value of the absolute figures of crimes in the individual regions is relative. If the evaluation criterion is, for example, the number of crimes with extremist motivation per 10, 000 inhabitants, the results will be slightly different. South Bohemia is a typical example. In terms of absolute figures it is one of the less affected regions (in 1999 it occupied the 6th place in terms of crimes having an extremist nature and the 5th place according to the estimates of extremist persons). However, if we take into account the number of crimes with extremist motivation per 10, 000 inhabitants, South Bohemia will proceed to the third place; and if we consider the number of persons with an extremist orientation, this region will occupy the second place - ahead of both the Moravian regions.
The number of the cases promoting fascist symbols, especially wearing those symbols on clothes, did not markedly differ in individual regions and was around 15% of the total number of cases. The only exception was West Bohemia where the proportion of crimes committed by dissemination of materials with racial and fascist topics through print-outs or music media was considerably higher. Although this region falls according to the number of crimes committed to the first group, physical assaults did not prevail there. The aforementioned crimes related to the promotion of fascism and neo-nazism should be considered socially very dangerous. The music performances of skinhead movement supporters were concentrated also in this region with foreign music bands being invited. The majority of crimes with extremist motivation were registered in the regional city of Pilsen. In 1999, no considerable shift in the nature of the crimes committed was observed - neither in South Bohemia nor in East Bohemia.
In 1999, so-called situation conflicts of a predominantly verbal nature were projected to a higher extent to the above-mentioned kinds of crime. Such situations expressed xenophobia and a tense relationship between majority and minority. Even the citizens who did not have contacts among extremist groups or structures were involved in such unlawful conduct.61
In the relation of the majority to the Roma minority, the discrimination of Roma in public facilities was frequently the cause of conflict. They are often prevented to enter disco-clubs and other kinds of entertainment facilities. The personnel in such facilities usually explain that the relevant facility is full. In some cases, however, they expressly indicate that the owner does not wish Roma to enter his/her facility pointing out that his/her property could be destroyed. Sometimes there were disputes between neighbours, which in several cases ended up in conflicts and brawls in restaurants.
In 1999, there were exceptional attacks of the Roma community members against the members of the majority society having a racial nature. Also, from time to time, Roma assaulted the local police members.62
Such conflicts were mostly observed in an anonymous environment near restaurants and other types of entertainment facilities, at railway stations or on public transport (trains, underground, trams, buses), mainly in the afternoon or in the evening (at night). Roma were assaulted also in their homes where they are the easiest targets for attacks – more families are usually concentrated in one house or in one street or they live in a remote area without being able to call for help. In this context, we should mention a village called Velké Kunětice in the district of Jeseník (North Moravia). There are Roma who live about one kilometre behind the village, next to the main road in two houses. They were verbally and physically attacked several times. There is neither a telephone nor public lighting. Despite the considerable improvement, the Roma community members did not lodge complaints in all cases. This was typical, especially in the cases of verbal attacks. The cases when they did not lodge a complaint were not exceptional in relation to the attack against them or their house. They usually argue that they are afraid of revenge from the side of the attackers or they do not trust the police. Two such cases were recorded in 1999 for example in the district of Frýdek - Místek (North Moravia). Not persons but a flat was attacked. The Roma did not lodge a complaint since they did not trust the Czech police and they expressed their concerns of possible subsequent attacks by skinheads.
In 1999, the Czech police continued activities focused on detection and prosecution of crimes committed through printed materials, symbols and emblems. After the crimes committed through P.O. Boxes in České Budějovice, Most, and Ústí n/Labem were detected in 1998, the further interventions, which considerably affected the skinhead scene, followed in 1999.
Before the planned meeting of the skinhead movement supporters in West Bohemia, in the village called Líně, the police a lot of illegal materials found in a house search of principal organisers. By intervention to the main group of organisers, the police managed to partially detect the republic-wide organisation, Blood&Honour and, at the same time, to paralyse the activity of this extremist organisation in West Bohemia. In house searches the police seized materials of an extremist nature valuing at least CZK 110,000, The Czech police charged six offenders of a crime pursuant to Section 260/1,2(a)(b) of the Criminal Code. This case is now under the investigation of the Czech Municipal Bureau of Investigation in Pilsen.
The offender from Žacléř (Trutnov district – East Bohemia) who produced CDs and other goods of a racial and extremist nature and sent them off in collection on delivery form to all regions of the Czech Republic is being prosecuted. This case is under the investigation of the Czech Bureau of Investigation in Trutnov - Sections 118/1,2(b) and260/1,2(a) of the Criminal Code.
The regions of the Czech Republic were, in terms of crimes and their nature, divided into the following three risk zones:63
The areas or districts affected on a long-term basis by extremist crime were evaluated within the above mentioned zones I. - III.64 Such evaluation proved that the aforementioned crimes were reoccurring in the Czech Republic from 1996 – 1999 (including) in the districts of Brno-město, Zlín, Břeclav, Prostějov (South Moravia), Karviná, Ostrava, Jeseník, Opava, Bruntál (North Moravia), Pilsen (West Bohemia), Most, Litoměřice, Ústí n/Labem, Česká Lípa (North Bohemia), Trutnov, Pardubice, Náchod, Hradec Králové (East Bohemia), Písek, České Budějovice (South Bohemia), Kutná Hora and Kladno (Central Bohemia) (without the Capital City of Prague, which is typical for its status of a large city).
The correlation of an average age, unemployment rate, age and education structure of job applicants and occurrence of higher activity of registered and unregistered groups promoting racism in individual districts differs. Particularly unemployment may be unfavourably projected in relationship between majority and minority without being accompanied by other aforementioned factors. As an example, we can describe the situation in the villages around Hanušovice in the district of Šumperk. The unemployment rate is many times higher here than in other parts of this district. This fact applies to all citizens, not only Roma. In the police’s opinion the situation between the majority members and the Roma community members is more tense than in towns and cities where the unemployment rate is not so high. The accumulation of all the above stated factors in a certain area or district can be considered to be risky. In terms of such risks in addition to Prague, which is the most risky region, both the Moravian regions, as well as North Bohemia, are falling into a second risky zone, thereby calling for special attention.
The following trends are typical for Prague:
North Bohemia, North Moravia, and South Moravia rank among the regions with the highest unemployment rate and higher social tension. Logically, mainly the Roma community members suffer from unemployment. Their hopeless situation on the labour market is underlined by their insufficient education, low qualifications, as well as by a hidden racism on the side of the employers. Generally, in the structure of job seekers, the applicants from the age category up to 25 years of age prevail. They are mainly people with primary education or with a certificate of apprenticeship. In particular, the districts with the lowest age average are mostly affected by unemployment.
The higher concentration of skinhead movement members and supporters, local organisations of right-wing extremists and activities of those extremists (demonstrations, meetings, rallies, etc.) have been apparent in both the Moravian regions. Generally, all risk factors are linked here. The serious crimes, which resulted in a subsequent death or in more severe injuries to health, were committed in both the regions in the past. In 1995 in South Moravia, T. Berki was brutally murdered in Žďár n/Sázavou and J. Polák from Břeclav was seriously injured. In North Moravia, in 1998, it was an assault on M. Lacko in Orlová (the district of Karviná) that led to his death; and a serious injury was afflicted as a firebomb was thrown into a Roma residence in Krnov (the district of Bruntál). The described crimes were committed in the regions with highest numbers of skinhead supporters.
In the police’s opinion, the following districts in South Moravia remain a problem: Brno - město, Zlín, Břeclav, Uherské Hradiště, Blansko, and Hodonín. In North Bohemia, the districts of Karviná, Ostrava, Jeseník, Nový Jičín or Bruntál rank among the most problematic. The highest incidence occurred in the Karviná district, which is the largest centre of skinhead movement supporters; followed by the district of Bruntál, where Krnov city represents another large base of supporters of this movement. In relation to these cases, we can also speak about the mutual correlation of factors monitored. The relationship between the majority society and the minority Roma community has been tense in Krnov for several years. According to the police, the clashes between the Roma population and other inhabitants are provoked by both sides. The heterogeneous composition of the population, their social and cultural level alongside with a social dimension - the region is poor, was flooded in the past and currently suffers from a high unemployment rate – play an important role. The skinhead movement supporters are recruted mainly from young people. In the regional city of Ostrava, almost every day a tiny conflict takes place. Such conflicts are not usually reported, fall-finding signs are common in means of transport.
North Bohemia suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the Czech republic and, for other unfavourable social and economic factors, is a nursery of extremist movements. According to the police the skinhead movement supporters meet in all larger cities, including Ústí nad Labem, Most, Děčín, and Česká Lípa. Since this region is a border area with a higher proportion of Roma population and foreigners, it cannot be ruled out that the activities of extremist groups won’t intensify.
The state administration bodies at all levels should pay closer attention – by taking targeted measures to restrict impact of factors influencing the negative status - to the areas or districts, which have been affected on a long-term basis by extremist crimes.
The actual and potentially highest risk for the year 2000, is the danger of open manifestation of particularly left-wing extremists in the course of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meeting, which is to be held in Prague in 26th - 28th September 2000.
Th events in Seattle, Washington and Davos proved that the activities of extremist organisations are getting more extensive. The left-wing scene has been radicalised in the Czech Republic. Since 1998 they have arranged several Street Parties, which resulted in a breach of the peace and were of a confrontational nature.
It can be supposed that:
It cannot be supposed that:
The spectrum of protesting people may be very heterogeneous and it cannot be hypothetically ruled out that, alongside with non-Governmental organisation activists, the following activists can turn up: