Czech Police close investigation into the attack on a Romani man that sparked anti-Ukrainian protests this spring, prosecutor now has the file
The Czech Police have closed their investigation into the case of a Romani man who was attacked at the end of April outside a bar in the town of Kutná Hora. On 18 November the case was sent to the district office of the prosecutor with a recommendation for prosecution.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Mgr. Pavel Truxa informed news server Romea.cz of the development in the case. According to the investigation, a 42-year-old foreign national physically assaulted a 43-year-old Romani man for no reason as he was sitting on a bench outside the bar.
The incident sparked a wave of emotion in the local Romani community, resulting in a demonstration and raising questions about the coexistence between Roma and Ukrainians in the town. The victim suffered injuries which did not require long-term hospitalization.
Police investigated the case over the course of several months. In June they charged the attacker with the offense of rioting, for which he would face up to two years in prison if convicted.
“The investigation of the case has been completed by the Kutná Hora Police and the file was sent to the district office of the prosecutor on 18 November with the recommendation to file an indictment,” Truxa told news server Romea.cz. Cyril Koky, the Central Bohemian Regional Roma Coordinator, who has been following the case from the start, appreciated the fact that the investigation is over.
“I am very glad the incident that transpired between two men in April this year outside a business in Kutná Hora and then led to an anti-Ukrainian demonstration has been properly completed by the Police of the Czech Republic,” Koky said. However, he pointed out that the investigation took a long time: “I do have to regret that the case was not closed by police somewhat sooner.”
A demonstration and a round table of reconciliation
Shortly after the incident transpired, protests were held in Kutná Hora during which local Roma expressed their fear for their families’ safety. Dozens of people turned out for the demonstration, and while it was comparatively calm, it was followed by a march on a building where the assailants allegedly lived.
That building, however, was actually home to another Ukrainian family who had nothing to do with the attack. In response to the incident a round table of reconciliation was convened where representatives of the Romani and Ukrainian communities, the town, and the police came together.
The discussion was focused on improving coexistence and strengthening dialogue. According to Czech Government Commissioner for Roma Affairs Lucie Fuková, both parties confirmed the necessity of rejecting hate speech and cooperating on building mutual respect.
