Interior Ministry commission recommends officer be charged in Jacques case

An Interior Ministry commission investigating a case of alleged police brutality against May Day demonstrator and human rights official Katerina Jacques, has recommended that one officer in question face criminal charges. The commission is still weighing the nature of the charges - including causing bodily harm. On May 1st Mrs Jacques was taken into police custody after a clash with policeman Tomas Cermak. Jacques, along with a number of witnesses, stated that she was kicked and beaten with a truncheon by the officer before being handcuffed. Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek was swift in criticising the police action.

Mrs Jacques has herself now filed charges against the police officer.

Author: Jan Velinger