Public service broadcaster Czech Television has sparked a major row by
broadcasting a pre-election spot for the extremist Národní strana, or
National Party. The clip provided a platform for the far-right group to
express its hatred of the country’s large Roma minority. This included
the shocking promise of “a final solution to the gypsy problem.” In the
uproar that followed the broadcaster eventually gave way and said it will
not screen the spot again, though its judgement has been called into
question.
The words “final solution” clearly echo the Nazi euphemism for the
mass murder of Jews and other minorities during WWII.
The television broadcaster said it had no other option under rules for
pre-election coverage and could not interfere in the content of the clip.
But it eventually conceded that it would not be screened again.
Ladislav Šticha is spokesman for Czech Television. He was asked if the
broadcaster should shoulder some blame for broadcasting the spot.
Mr Šticha added that the broadcaster is hoping for a change in the law
which will stop it being put in such a situation in the future.
In the wake of the uproar, Czech Television says it is pondering criminal
charges against the National Party, the Ministry of Interior is looking at
banning the party and Czech Radio has spelled out that it will not be
broadcasting any of its five pre-election clips.
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