Pogrom against Roma in Havířov: Two acquittals, others get four years or less

Today the Regional Court in Ostrava handed down sentences against the neo-Nazi perpetrators of a brutal attack on Roma people in Havířov. Three defendants were sentenced to prison for three to four years without the possibility of parole, while another three were given suspended sentences of two years in prison. Two defendants were acquitted.

The group of right-wing radicals was charged with attacking several people and seriously injuring a 17-year-old male three years ago. The group randomly selected Roma people on the streets of Havířov for attack, chasing them through the town. One victim was attacked so brutally that his injuries were life-threatening. The young man survived only thanks to rapid medical treatment. The assailants kicked him in the head and caused serious injury to his skull by beating him with a collapsible nightstick and an iron bar. The youth was unable to speak and was partially paralyzed after the attack.

Police succeeded in identifying only eight alleged assailants. According to eyewitnesses, more than eight people were involved in the attacks.