PRAGUE—A special Czech police force has arrested 12 ultra-right extremists suspected of an arson assault on a Romanian family in April. The large-scale arrest is part of an operation called Vítek, which aims to combat extremism in the Czech Republic.
The suspects are detained and charged with attempted murder and can each face sentences of more than 15 years in prison.
On the night of April 19, a group of perpetrators threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of a house in Vitkov, injuring three inhabitants, including a two-year-old Romanian girl.
Czech Secretary of the Interior Martin Pecina expressed gratitude to those that “participated in arresting the offenders of the arson attack in Vítkov,“ during a press conference.
Prior to the large-scale arrest, a team of special agents interrogated more than 600 witnesses and suspects. Police will continue to track and monitor other ultra-right extremists.
Romanians Targeted
Romanians are frequent targets of ultra-right extremism in Czech, especially in the southern part of the country where the unemployment rate is higher.
The attack is believed to be racially motivated and has prompted a call for more rigorous action against ultra-right extremism.
The government is seeking ways to align social and cultural differences and help Czech citizens of Romanian descent to obtain jobs and integrate into society.
