News server iDNES.cz reports that hundreds of people in the town of Žatec have signed a petition organized by local students against the fact that neo-Nazi bands perform concerts several times a year in the restaurant of the People’s House (Lidový dům) there. Because the restaurant is privately owned, the town does not have many options for intervening against the neo-Nazi events.
So far 448 people have signed the petition, called "Žatec against Neo-Nazis". Organizers have handed over the signatures to the municipal authorities and want town councilors to take up the issue.
"The town probably cannot ban concerts in a privately owned building. However, it does have many options for making such events unpleasant. We hope the town councilors will show the venue owner that we do not care to have such people in Žatec," said Radek Holodňák, an activist and organizer of the petition.
Police officers are also following the concerts in the People’s House. Several weeks ago they arrested and charged three foreigners there for promoting Nazism and racism. Activists are fighting to prevent such people from traveling to Žatec for the concerts.
Writing the petition was just the first step. The activists want to draw attention to who actually plays at the troubling concerts and how the current neo-Nazi movement is connected to Hitler’s original followers.
"We are now discussing our next concept. A smaller group of people is preparing something, but we want to invite other people to join us. We are planning to establish a civic association," Holodňák said.
