Czech soldier discharged over SS symbols may return to Afghanistan

Jan Čermák, the former commander of a rapid reaction brigade platoon who was discharged from the Czech Army for wearing Nazi SS symbols on his helmet during his service in Afghanistan, has allegedly gained lucrative private employment there. Yesterday’s Mladá fronta Dnes (MfD) reports that Čermák will return to Afghanistan and his salary will greatly exceed his pay in his position as lieutenant.

One of Čermák’s friends has told MfD that Čermák has allegedly signed a very advantageous contract with a Western security agency. However, Čermák issued a statement to the paper through his attorney, Ondřej Moravec that he is not planning to go to Afghanistan.

František Punner, the Trutnov-based detective who is investigating Čermák on suspicion of promoting a movement aimed at suppressing human rights and freedoms, was surprised by the report of Čermák’s supposed return to Afghanistan. “In the event that he were to be charged, I cannot imagine being able to deliver that information to him somewhere in the mountains of Afghanistan. That would probably be very difficult,” he said. Should Čermák leave for Afghanistan, Punner is considering investigating him as a fugitive from justice.

Attorney Karel Brückler says Čermák does legally have the opportunity to return to Afghanistan. However, he would have to announce his departure to the police and give them an address where he could be found there. This would be enough for police to believe that he was not trying to avoid trial, and any trial could eventually be held in his absence.

Another Czech soldier, Hynek Matonoha, also wore SS symbols on his helmet during his service in Logar province. Czech Defense Minister Martin Barták discharged both Čermák and Matohnoha from the military in November and cancelled their rights to all military retirement benefits. He also placed their superiors, including General Jiří Halaška, off duty until the investigation is completed.