Thousands sign petition against public display of racism and xenophobia at anti-migrant rallies

Over 5,000 people have signed an appeal calling on the government to openly denounce the recent show of racism and intolerance at several anti-migrant demonstrations in the Czech Republic. The appeal, drafted by the group StopHatred.cz, calls on the prime minister and interior minister to take a resolute stand to the hate-speech and xenophobia the country has witnessed, saying that the public debate on the migrant issue had been hijacked by a number of intolerant individuals who were spreading an atmosphere of fear and hate.

A group of 12 senators on Friday made a similar appeal, sending an open letter to the government, in which they asked the country’s leadership to strongly denounce the displays of hatred and xenophobia. The senators say it is alarming that police officers present at these demonstrations did not take action against what is clearly a violation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. Interior Minister Milan Chovanec has already slammed the police for its inaction demanding an explanation from his subordinates.