Prague - While Czech MPs are busy coming up with new policies to prevent the growth of extremism, Czech Roma organizations are planning to stage a protest in about ten Czech cities.
It is for the first time when the Roma community gets mobilized nationwide. The majority society is there to help, too.
"I think it is high time to say No to the neo-Nazis. We fear for our children," Marie Gailová, one of the organizers, said about the upcoming massive protest.
Towns to stage anti-neo-nazism protests
- Praha - Karlínské náměstí (=square)
- Litvínov - Náměstí míru
- Ústí nad Labem - Městské sady
- Pardubice - Perštýnské náměstí
- Náchod - Náměstí T. G. M.
- Plzeň - Náměstí T. G. M.
- Ostrava - Náměstí T. G. M.
- Jablonec nad Nisou - Horní náměstí
- Liberec - Náměstí Dr. E. Beneše
- Lysá nad Labem - Husovo náměstí
- Brno - Náměstí Svobody
* The anti-neo-Nazi protests start at 4 pm on Sunday, May 3
"Today it is us, tomorrow it may be you whom the neo-Nazis will attack," she added. "It looks like people have not learnt anything from the War World II," Gailová told Aktuálně.cz. "But I have information coming from the majority society that they, too, do not want neo-Nazis here."
On Sunday May 3 the anti-neo-Nazi protesters will gather at 4 pm in Prague, Litvínov, Pardubice, Náchod and many more cities (see Infobox) to hear speeches and prayers for the victims of the far right-wing supporters' attacks.
According to the organizers the aim is to condemn the radicals' increasingly militant activities and say a resolute No to neo-Nazism.
The organizers have also launched an anti-neo-Nazi petition, which will available at all of the gatherings.
Priest František Lízna who in the past adopted a Roma ethnic identity in solidarity of their lot was pleased with the majority society joining the protest.
"I am taken by surprise how many people are redefining their values now. I am also pleased to see the Romany getting together," he said. "They have never been able to get together on this issue," he added.
However, the organizers regret the fact it is only now people take to the streets when a small girl is fighting for her life. Last week a Roma girl sustained serious injuries in an arson attack in the north-Moravian town of Vítkov.
"We have warned of possible tragedy many times before. But the government does not take us seriously. Only now when there was this tragedy (in Vítkov)," said Gailová.
