Extremist DSSS exploiting tension in Ředhošt' to send “citizen patrols” there

Yesterday the Workers’ Social Justice Party (Dělnická strana sociální spravedlnosti – DSSS) sent “citizen patrols” into the streets for the first time since the court-ordered dissolution of its predecessor, the Workers’ Party (Dělnická strana – DS). Such patrols were previously referred to as the DS “Protection Corps”. Seven DSSS members visited the town of Ředhošt’, allegedly at the request of local residents who are at their wits’ end regarding several local Romani families. The conflict resulted in a large brawl at the end of May.

Police monitored the DSSS visit in Ředhošt’. No incidents were reported. Roma living in the community allegedly either left town or stayed indoors. DSSS members spoke with several dozen local non-Romani residents and walked through the town. Non-Romani locals told the Czech Press Agency that they “just want calm” and that members of the Romani families are constantly “provoking” them.

During the night of 28 May, several local residents brawled in the pub. The DSSS claims the incident had a racial subtext. According to Alena Romová, spokesperson for the Litoměřice Police Department, officers are currently investigating the incident only as the crime of rioting, not as a racially-motivated event.

The Supreme Administrative Court dissolved the Workers’ Party (DS) on 17 February. Most of its members have now joined the DSSS. The court found the DS ideology, program and symbols included chauvinistic and xenophobic elements, a racist subtext, and an ideological connection to the National Socialism of Adolf Hitler. The court said the party had instigated violence and was attempting to radically change the democratic order. The verdict also said the party was artificially promoting the sense that foreigners and immigrants pose a threat to society. The Constitutional Court rejected the DS party’s complaint against its dissolution last week.

In its decision to dissolve the DS, the Supreme Administrative Court evaluated the party’s “Protection Corps” and found the party was trying to use the corps to play a role that actually belongs to local government, municipal police, or state police. The court also found the symbolism of the “Corps” evoked the symbolism used by Hitler’s armed corps. DS chair Tomáš Vandas halted the activity of the “Corps”, but in response to similar patrols organized by the Public Affairs party (Věcí veřejných – VV) he announced he would be renewing their activity. VV patrols were active in Prague in the run-up to the parliamentary elections. The party halted them in response to criticism.