Czech Police charge man with producing clothing with neo-Nazi symbols

Police in the Czech Republic have charged a 23-year-old man from the Nový Jičín area with advertising, producing and selling clothing featuring neo-Nazi symbols. He ran the enterprise for almost a year using his father’s business license.

The man used online shopping to advertise his brand. Petr Gřes, spokesperson for police in Nový Jičín, officially announced the charges were being filed.

"This young man, through his active position, has promoted right-wing extremist movements. He also actively participated in several assemblies and demonstrations. He has designed, produced, distributed and sold accessories and clothing with extremist themes," the police spokesperson said.  

Police say the man used, for example, the names of the unregistered neo-Nazi organization Blood and Honour – Combat 18, the neo-Nazi militant skinhead organization Hammer Skins, the banned neo-Nazi movement Národní odpor (National Resistance) and the Anti-Antifa organization on the clothing. He also used symbols that were misappropriated by the Nazi Third Reich, such as the Imperial Eagle and the swastika.

"He has been doing business in this branch on his father’s license at least since November 2013. During the first days of September we arrested him during a house search," Gřes said.  

Police officers confiscated extremist-themed clothing during the house search and also documented decorations on the walls of his room that capture the man’s right-wing extremist convictions and propaganda. If convicted he faces up to 10 years in prison.