Final suspect in last year's "machete attack" in Czech Republic arrested in England

Police in England have apprehended the final suspect involved in a brawl last year in Nový Bor that was labeled the "machete attack" in the Czech media. The Regional Court in Liberec remanded 20-year old Jakub Žiga into custody today. State Prosecutor Radim Kadlček informed the Czech Press Agency of the arrest.

"He has been arrested in England and extradited here on the basis of European law," said Kadlček. Žiga will remain in custody until the trial begins so he cannot flee again. Hearings in his case have not yet been scheduled.

The brawl took place on 7 August 2011 in the Pivní pomoc bar in Nový Bor. It was preceded by a conflict between a barmaid and two Romani youths who wanted to play the video poker machines there. The barmaid reportedly asked to see their identification and the youths reportedly began using vulgar language to insult her. Other customers stood up for the barmaid. In the course of showing the youths out, one customer reportedly struck one of the Romani youths. A few moments later, the Romani youths returned to the bar with reinforcements and attacked the customers. The attack was captured by a security camera. Three people were injured.

Four alleged assailants have been charged with attempted murder and rioting, for which they face between 15 and 20 years in prison or even an extraordinary sentence. A fifth alleged assailant faces between five and 12 years in prison on charges of bodily harm and rioting. All of the Romani defendants arrested are in custody.