Two Slovaks tried for racist insults of U.S. basketball player

The Slovak district court in Kosice today took into custody two men who allegedly verbally attacked a female Afroamerican basketball player in a street on Sunday, court spokeswoman Marcela Galova told CTK.

Both men have lodged a complaint against the decision that will be examined by the Kosice regional court in the days to come, Galova said.

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Two Slovaks face custody for verbally attacking American

Denisa Wilson, who plays for the Kosice basketball team, said she was considering leaving Slovakia.

"There is the fear that the two men might continue with their criminal activity," Galova said, explaining the reasons of their detention.

"Besides, Karol M., who has no permanent residence, may escape or go into hiding in order to avoid criminal prosecution," Galova said.

The incident occurred in Kosice where the two assailants called Denisa Wilson a "nigger" and hunted her down into a restaurant where she tried to hide.

The two men are facing incitement for racial hatred charges. If convicted, they may be sentenced up to three years in prison. Both of them had been tried for similar attacks.

Last year, the police recorded 155 cases of racially motivated attacks in Slovakia, which was fewer than in 2006.