Czech university distances itself from e-mail alleging increased security needed for dorm because of refugees from Ukraine

The Cafeteria and Dormitory Service of Charles University (UK) has distanced itself from an alleged email to students, an image of which is circulating on social media in connection with the “tent city” housing Romani refugees from Ukraine in Prague’s Troja neighborhood and alleging that the 17 November Dormitory has taken increased security measures. News server Romea.cz has been informed by the director of the Cafeteria and Dormitory Service UK, Miluše Valdová, that no increased security measures have been taken.

“Dear Students, since the tent city for Romani refugees is being built near the dormitory, we are forced to take significant security measures. The dormitory will be closed and you will only be able to enter it with your ISIC or your dormitory pass through the entrance of building A. There will be private security on guard at that entry point. The measures are being prepared and we will keep you informed. We ask that students keep the doors to their rooms locked at all times. Thank you for your understanding,” reads the purported e-mail, an image of which is circulating through social media in which the name of the alleged author and that of the alleged sender are blocked out.

“The message in the attachment to your email does not reflect the opinion of Charles University or of the Cafeteria and Dormitory Service UK. The operation of the dormitory and the cafeteria at Troja is proceeding without complications, we have not adopted any unusual security measures in connection with the tent city,” Valdová wrote to news server Romea.cz when contacted for her response to the text.
 
“The management of the Cafeteria and Dormitory Service UK is in contact with the Charles University management. Charles University dormitory capacities have been made use of since the beginning of the war, and Charles University is offering its own aid – for example, about 400 refugees from Ukraine are currently living in the Větrník Dormitory,” added Valdová. 

The “tent city” especially for Romani refugees from Ukraine was installed on Thursday night in Prague’s Troja neighborhood. There are a total of 10 tents on the spot that can hold 150 people altogether as well as a dining room, showers and toilets. 

The facility is standing in the same place where the municipality built a “tent city” for homeless people who were in quarantine for COVID-19. The 17 November Dormitory is located about 300 meters away from it.