Czech Republic: Five charged in brawl between Romani customers and security guards in Ostrava

Police have charged five people so far in connection with last week's serious scuffle between Romani customers and security guards at a gaming room in the Ostrava-Bělský Les neighborhood. On Tuesday a 29-year-old man was charged with rioting in relation to the incident.

Three other adult males aged between 30 and 50 and one 16-year-old juvenile were charged by police on Sunday and remanded into custody by the District Court in Ostrava. The adult suspects face between five and 12 years in prison if convicted of attempted grievous bodily harm and roting, while the juvenile faces possible sentencing of half that time.

Police spokesperson Gabriela Holčáková did not specify whether those charged were bodyguards or customers. Police analyzed recorded images of the incident, interviewed eyewitnesses, and charged the suspects on that basis; they do not want to publish further details so as not to endanger the investigation.

A large group of customers attacked the gaming room security last Wednesday evening, allegedly after bouncers removed two customers from the premises. One customer is then alleged to have returned with reinforcements.

Four participants in the conflict ended up in hospital with slight to moderately severe injuries. A total of eight people were said to have been injured.