The rally and subsequent procession of Roma in Pardubice on Sunday, prompted by a fight the previous day resulting in the injury of a Roma individual, were deemed illegal. Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blažek (ODS) expressed concerns that if the laws are not enforced, the situation could escalate, similar to the ongoing events unfolding in France. France has been experiencing street riots for several nights following the shooting and death of a young man by a policeman.
Minister Blažek highlighted that the rally in Pardubice violated the Law on Public Rallies and Assemblies. He stated, “Participation in the rally and calls to participate are illegal.” The gathering took place in front of the Pardubice train station and drew several hundred people from various parts of the country.
The conflict between Roma and foreigners in Pardubice on Saturday resulted in an injury to one of the Roma individuals involved.
The minister emphasized the importance of applying the constitution and laws to all citizens, irrespective of their majority or minority status. He warned about the risk of reaching a situation similar to the ongoing violence in France, including arson attacks on cars, robberies, and clashes with the police.
The minister urged the organizers, if their intention was to draw the government’s attention to certain issues, to do so in accordance with the law. The protesters peacefully marched through the city from the train station to the site of the previous day’s fight before dispersing.
In France, the police detained 667 people during the third night of unrest and chaos. The protests continued into Sunday night. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of a young man with North African heritage on the outskirts of Paris. The incident occurred when the young man disobeyed a police order during a document check and attempted to flee, prompting the use of firearms by the police.
