Czech local councillor prosecuted for racist statements

The Ostrava state attorney's office has brought charges against former deputy mayor of Ostrava's district Jiri Jizersky for racist statements about Romanies, spokesman David Bartos told CTK today.

Jizersky, who was deputy major of Ostrava district Marianske Hory a Hulvaky, spoke about "wiping out" Romany residents at a meeting of the local council that discussed the situation in the problematic Bedriska Romany settlement.

CTK has failed to contact Jizersky for comment. He also declined to comment on the accusation to the iHned server that was the first to inform about the case.

Jizersky faces charges of defaming a nation, an ethnical group, race and belief.

Liana Janackova, senator and mayor of the Marianske Hory and Hulvaky district, who also attended the meeting in question, faces a trial for the same criminal offences.

The Senate mandate and immunity committee is to make a decision on Janackova's future today.