Romanies protest against racism in Czech town
Several tens of Romanies carrying banners protested against the alleged racist atmosphere in the town in the centre of Rokycany today, local police chief Josef Svoboda has told CTK.
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A group of assaulters attacking the waiters and several RomaniesRomanies protest against racism
No incidents accompanied the protest, which the organisers did not announce to the City Hall beforehand.
Policemen monitored the demonstration but they did not have to interfere, Svoboda added.
The demonstration was stirred up by Friday’s incident in a local gambling room. A group of assaulters stormed in, attacking the waiters and several Romanies. Some people suffered injuries in the brawl.
Romanies said they considered it a racially-motivated attack, though the police rather dismissed it.
Local Romanies complain that this has not been the only racist attack on them lately.
"They feel threatened and demand that the municipal authority guarantee their better safety," deputy mayor Marie Hlavkova told CTK.
The Town Hall and the police will meet to discuss possible measures.
Police patrols will be strengthened in the streets for some time and they will monitor the situation, Hlavkova added.
