Country’s scientists launch petition to combat message of intolerance

Some 400 scientists and members of research and academic institutions have signed a petition to try and combat what is perceived as growing xenophobia in Czech society. Entitled Scientists against Fear and Apathy, the petition is aiming to counter the anti-migrant message being pushed by a number of organised groups and fringe politicians. A number of mostly extra-parliamentary political parties in recent months have tried to build increasingly on anti-migrant and anti-Muslim platforms. Those behind the petition say that fear over the issue of migration faced by Europe has been whipped up into hysteria.