Prague S26: Human Rights Abuses by Czech Police

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by Jon Acker 28th Sept 2000

Protesters get rough treatment in Prague

On September 26, 2000, about twelve thousand people gathered in Prague to protest the policies of the IMF and the World Bank, demanding that the two institutions be shut down. It was a success - their meeting was seriously disrupted and their blatantly exploitative policies were further brought to public attention.

On the morning of Sept. 26, people from all over the world attempted to approach the conference to bring their views directly to the delegates, but were blocked by an army of police.

Clashes ensued, and many were arrested. Throughout the following night police retaliation took place. Anyone 'suspected' of being a protester was chased down, often beaten, and arrested.

By morning 422 people had been arrested, often for nothing more than walking down the street. Police were assisted in their persecution by Czech fascists, who chased and attacked anyone who looked like a protester, and helped to beat demonstrators while they were held in jail.

Today, Thursday Sept. 28, massive arrests are continuing. A non-violent demonstration took place in front of the Ministry of Interior against the police brutality and in solidarity with those arrested.

Another 70 people were dragged away. Official police sources report 892 arrests so far, of which approximately 230 have been foreigners. A few have been released, and their reports are horrifying.

The activists are systematically beaten, denied access to phone, food, water, and bedding, and in at least at one police station fascists have been allowed into the cells to brutalize those being held.

Foreigners who have been released have either been transported directly to the border or given 24 hours to leave the country, preventing the recording of their evidence.

Those arrested have been completely cut off from the outside world. They have been denied phone calls and any access to legal councils. In the vast majority of cases people are being held without any charge having been made.

The police have refused to release any information about confirming names of those arrested and where they are being held. Several activists have simply disappeared.

And so we need your help. The situation here is critical. The arrested need international solidarity. We beg you to send faxes and E-mails protesting the treatment of those arrested.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of those arrested were incarcerated only because of their political convictions and their appearance. The police must stop their brutality and release them immediately.

If possible, organize a protest in front of the Embassies of the Czech Republic, the sooner the better. If there's no Embassy in your town, there may be a Czech cultural center.

We thank you very much on behalf of the arrested activists.

Czech President Vaclev Havel fax number: (+420) 2 2431 0851
Czech Minister of Interior Jan Ruml: (+420) 2 6143 3560 fax: (+420) s2378216
Czech Embassy in UK: (+44) 207 243 1115
British Embassy in Czech Republic: (+420) 257 530278 fax: (+420) 257 530296
US Embassy in Czech Republic: fax (+420) 2 2451 1001

CONFIRMED REPORTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY September 28. 2000-09-28 13.00

Women have been strip searched by male officers and forced while naked to perform exercises for the enjoyment of the officers.
Many people released have reported that before reaching police stations, officers took them to isolated areas and beat them severely. There are also multiple reports of people being beaten in cells.
Two Norwegians who were at the Prisparni police station to report a stolen cell phone witnessed behind briefly opened doors that a number of people were handcuffed to a wall and being beaten severely. This has been confirmed by numerous reports from those released that in processing rooms groups of 40 to 60 persons were told to spread eagle while they were beaten, head knocked back, legs kicked in, and numbers of men have had their groins twisted and punched.
Two Germans detained in Lupacova, Praha 3 witnessed an Israeli who was severely beaten. As a result, he had a broken arm, black eye, and possibly a broken rib. He was denied any medical attention.
Prisoners have been handcuffed and thrown down stairs.
Many individuals are being denied food, water, and sleep; some are able to get water only if they pay the guards; women and fascists are more likely to get water.
Twenty-two prisoners were forced into a 4 square meter cell overnight.
Thirty prisoners were detained overnight at the Olanska jail in an outdoor courtyard with no blankets or food.
Prisoners, including some with diabetes, have not been fed.
Prisoners have been refused medications.
Czechs and Israelis activists are being beaten more severely and detained longer. At least two have disappeared.

Under Czech law, prisoners are entitled to

representation and advice
interpretation
food and water
basic medical attention
one phone call

These rights have been denied on a widespread scale.

To arrange interviews with those recently released, call Cyan immediately at 0605 879 504. Press center: 00 420 2 627 2349, inpeg.ecn.cz, INPEG@onebox.com

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