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Citizens defend Prague drug rehab center from DSSS extremists

22 October 2012
2 minute read

Yesterday in Prague a five-member “patrol” of promoters of the Workers’ Social Justice Party (Dělnická strana sociální spravedlnosti – DSSS) came to the Sananim center for drug addiction in order to provoke a conflict. The “patrol” alleged that local residents are dissatisfied with the presence of the center in their neighborhood. Approximately 30 opponents of the DSSS were waiting for them in front of the center carrying banners with anti-fascist slogans. There was a brief verbal exchange between both sides. The situation was monitored by about 10 police officers who called on the anti-fascists to let the DSSS “patrol” pass. The “patrol” did not make it into the center.

The employees of Sananim, which is located in the Smíchov quarter of Prague, had requested police protection and report that the number of attacks on the center has risen recently. Police told the Czech Press Agency they will monitor the situation. Anti-fascists from the Students against Racism initiative and other activists planned to create a human chain in front of Sananim and announced they would defend those being treated for drug addiction from being attacked by the DSSS.

Center director Martina Richterová Těmínová says the number of attacks is rising because of the upcoming municipal elections. Many political parties have chosen to make drug addicts an election topic. The director said approximately 15 attacks on the center had been reported to the police recently, most of which the police evaluated as criminal offenses. The crimes included breaking doors and windows, sending threatening letters, and smearing excrement on a broken window. The center has also hired private security due to concerns about the safety of its staff.

Sananim moved to Smíchov this spring after being evicted from its previous space in Prague 7 and bought a new space by the Na Skalce Park thanks to a contribution from the city. Drug users meet there openly. Some local residents disagree with the center’s work and have organized a petition against it.

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