Demonstrators to descend on Nový Bydžov

Close to 1,000 demonstrators are expected to descend on the town of Nový Bydžov on Saturday to express their views on the town’s policy in dealing with problem inhabitants. The town mayor is leading a campaign backed by 51 towns, demanding greater powers in dealing with problem citizens, predominantly Romanies. The demands include the right to cancel welfare benefits and increase the municipality’s powers in collecting debts. Four different organizations have called demonstrations in the town centre on Saturday including ultra-right and left-wing groupings. Police are expected to be out in force to maintain order.