London, Oct 29 (CTK) – Petr Torak, a Czech-born Romany, yesterday received the Order of the British Empire for his work for the Romany community in Britain awarded to him by Queen Elizabeth II, the public broadcaster Czech Radio (CRo) said yesterday.
For a number of years, Torak has been working with the British police. He has been living in Britain since 1999.
His family left Liberec, north Bohemia, after what they called repeated physical attacks by neo-Nazis.
Torak works as a police officer in Peterborough, some 120 kilometres north of London.
Along with routine work on criminal cases, Torak often helps his British fellow workers with the work concerning the Romany community.
For this, he uses his knowledge of the language and mentality, but also personal contacts with the people who also came from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to Peterborough.
After work, Torak contributes to many projects helping the Romany community.
He was one of the founders of the Association of Romany Police.
“I am naturally grateful to England for being here and for the opportunities I have here,” Torak told CRo earlier.
“This is something extremely valuable for me. I feel tremendously honoured, not only by the system of the monarchy as such, but also by the people who nominated me, thus acknowledging my work,” he added.
pv/dr/kva
