Prosecutors and police warn of rising youth radicalization and violence

Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are becoming increasingly radicalized, with growing levels of aggression and brutality and more serious consequences for victims, according to Czech Chief Public Prosecutor Lenka Bradáčová. The chief prosecutor told the news site Novinky.cz that last year confirmed the rise of this negative trend, including more crimes committed by minors resulting in severe injuries or loss of life. Bradáčová highlighted the emergence of a new phenomenon known as “experiential violence,” in which young people form groups and jointly attack randomly selected victims. She said the perpetrators often copy dangerous behaviour and draw inspiration from the internet. Police President Martin Vondrášek also said the police are aware that young people are becoming increasingly radicalized.