European Commission against Racism criticizes Czech Republic for treatment of Roma

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance criticized what it called ‘a disturbing intensification’ in right-wing activity in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, including the ‘setting up of a uniformed paramilitary group by one political party’. The commission said that right-wing hate groups in the Czech Republic were predominantly targeting Roma, and that crimes against this minority included a murder in 2007. The report issued by the commission said that repeated demonstrations by extreme right-wing groups were ‘escalating tensions’ and ‘leading to violent acts’. The commission blamed high-ranking politicians and sections of the media in the Czech Republic for fanning discrimination with anti-Roma statements.