Six receive suspended sentences for roles in Máj unrest

Six individuals charged with hooliganism and causing bodily harm which sparked unrest in the Máj housing district in České Budějovice in the summer of 2013 have received suspended sentences ranging between 1 and 2.5 years. According to iDnes, criminal charges against two suspects were dropped and their actions will be assessed as misdemeanors by city hall. Of those found guilty, four have accepted the sentences while two appealed. Unrest in the area was originally sparked by two children pushing and shoving at a playground, two women then got into a verbal and physical fight. A rumor quickly spread that “Roma had beaten a pregnant lady” sparking a wider conflict which led to 47 people being charged, some of whom also received suspended sentences. Several anti-Roma demonstrations followed.

Author: Jan Velinger