Fifty neo-Nazis celebrate in Plzeň, police arrest two people

Two people suspected of committing the crime of supporting and promoting a movement aimed at suppressing human rights and freedoms were arrested by police officers in the early morning hours today in Plzeň. Approximately 50 neo-Nazis had gathered for a celebration at a local restaurant. According to police, during the party a song celebrating the National Resistance (Národní odpor) organization was performed, so the commander of the police intervention decided to shut the music production down. Police then verified the identities of those present and arrested the two people who were running the music production. Police spokesperson Martina Zoubková informed ČTK of the incident.

“We will also be researching the criminal liability of the organizers of this event,” Zoubková said. Police received information that the neo-Nazis would be celebrating the first anniversary of the founding of a neo-Nazi cell at the restaurant. ČTK has determined that the group involved was apparently the Autonomous Nationalists of Plzeň, which has participated in the organization of marches by right-wing radicals through the town.

“Police officers monitored what was going on at the restaurant. Around 21:00 they began a search of the premises and determined that a live music production was underway,” Zoubková said. At the time a song was being performed with lyrics celebrating the neo-Nazi organization National Resistance.

The police commander decided to shut the music production down and police officers then verified the identities of everyone present. Approximately 50 people were present, most of them with permanent residence in Plzeň or its surroundings.

Almost 60 police officers were deployed for the event. ČTK reports police officers also found clothing decorated with images promoting the movement which was most probably intended for sale. They also discovered print-outs of the song lyrics.