Czech Republic: More charges over brawl in Ostrava, six people being prosecuted

Police have charged another assailant from the large group of people who attacked the security guards of a gaming room in mid-January in Ostrava. The serious scuffle between the bodyguards and the Romani assailants occurred after two customers were removed from the gaming room by bouncers.  

Police spokesperson Gabriela Holčáková told the Czech News Agency that six people are now being prosecuted. One is a juvenile and four are in custody.

On Monday a 44-year-old man was charged with grievous bodily harm and rioting. He could spend up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

The state prosecutor recommended he be remanded into custody. "He was one of the most aggressive assailants," Holčáková said.

Over the weekend police charged a 29-year-old man with rioting. While he was also involved in the violence, he was not as aggressive as others.

If convicted he faces up to two years in prison; he was released on his own recognizance. The incident was sparked by security guards removing two customers, whom they claim were drunk and causing problems, from the premises.  

One of the customers returned with reinforcements. As many as 70 Romani men are said to have driven to the scene and attacked six security guards.

Four participants in the conflict ended up in hopsital with light to moderately severe injuries; a total of eight people are said to have been injured. Police initially charged four men with grievous bodily harm and rioting, all of whom are now in custody.