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First charge of racially motivated battery filed in Rumburk attack

22 October 2012
1 minute read

The first charges have been filed over yesterday’s attack in Rumburk, Czech Republic, committed by an armed group of 20 people against a group of four. Police have arrested two Romani men whom they say were involved.

Police spokesperson Vojtěch Haňka says one man has been charged with racially motivated battery and attempted grievous bodily harm, for which he faces between five and 12 years in prison. Police are still investigating the second detainee and tracking down other members of the group, some 20 strong, which is said to have attacked a small group of majority-society members after leaving a discotheque. One of those who was beaten has been hospitalized with fractures.

Reports of how many people were in the attacking group have varied from 14 to 20 members, but today police confirmed the originally reported numbers of 20 assailants and four victims. “Whether others will be added to that number is what we are currently investigating,” Haňka said. “We are currently interrogating the second suspect and we suspect some other people of having committed less serious offenses.” By “less serious”, Haňka meant property damage and rioting.

The mass attack involving 24 people took place yesterday morning in Rumburk (Děčín region). One victim was hospitalized with fractures. Police said a 20-member group had attacked a group of four. Mayor Jaroslav Sykáček told the Czech Press Agency that witnesses said the larger group was comprised of Romani people attacking members of the majority society. A collapsible nightstick was left at the scene of the crime by a perpetrator.

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