Senator Janáčková may face charges of racism

Independent Senator Liana Janáčková could face criminal prosecution for a series of allegedly racist comments made in 2005. The comments, made while she served as mayor of the Czech region of Marianské Hory and Hulváky, allegedly included calling Roma gypsies “over-bred” and suggested their removal with dynamite. Czech police have formally requested that Ms Janáčková be stripped of her immunity from prosecution. The proceedings have come as a result of legal action taken by a number of NGOs and private citizens, which include Roma organisations. Ms Janáčková has declined to comment on the matter.