Extremists relying increasingly on internet to whip up anti-Roma sentiments
Police in a number of Czech towns and cities are gearing up for more
anti-Romany protests at the weekend. Marches by the ultra-right in troubled
areas will aim to tap into growing anti-Roma sentiment. Extremists are also
trying to increase anger through slanderous articles on the internet.
An article on the internet currently making the rounds among right-wing
extremists hoping to spread the message of intolerance claims that Czech
Romanies abuse the country’s welfare system, making off with untold
thousands which non-Roma go without. Among the lies presented are that
Romanies can apply and get a one-off payment of 230,000 crowns, that
Romanies’ monthly rents are subsidised by municipalities, and that cities
pay for school supplies. The list goes further and has reportedly gained
such currency of late that the country’s Employment Office was forced to
respond this week. Kateřina Beránková is the bureau’s spokesperson:
“No payments are made in cash or by cheque on the spot or in advance,
family rents are not paid by any city and the whole document is really just
a bunch of nonsense and lies.”
That doesn’t mean the threat shouldn’t be taken seriously: the
government’s Human Rights’ Commissioner Monika Šimůnková sees the
situation as serious. Here’s what she told Czech TV:
“The material is written in a fairly intelligent manner and I have to
say I have been getting emails from people who are smart asking me if what
was being said was true. I consider material like this as some of the most
dangerous.”
Sociologist Jiřina Šiklová agrees that while extremist views have
gained greater attention among some members of the broader public in recent
weeks and months, she put growing public anger down to continuing economic
uncertainty and the drawn-out political crisis. In her view, the frenzy
will die down after elections this fall. Jiřina Šiklová:
“Right now a lot of people are frustrated with other ongoing problems.
They are frustrated with politics and with the economy and this is
something they want to express. But I think much of it will return to
normal, for example, after the upcoming election.”
Hundreds of riot police will monitor the ultra right at the weekend, with
the aim of keeping any demonstration from getting out of hand and to keep
right-wing supporters from clashing with members of the Roma community.
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