Police study alleged racist remarks by Senator

Police in Ostrava say they are studying alleged racist statements about Romanies by Senator Liana Janackova, who is also the mayor of an Ostrava district, as well as similar statements by Jiri Jezersky, another senior official in Ostrava. Ms Janackova has been fiercely criticised following the release of a recording on which she appeared to use some controversial statements about Romanies. On the recording she also appears to admit to being a racist and opposing the integration of Romanies. The detectives started investigating the case last week independently of any lawsuits. They say the first lawsuit, lodged by the civic group Romea and joined by eight other organisations and seven individuals, only reached them this week.