All democratic countries are more or less facing the manifestations of extremism. In 1999, particularly right-wing extremism occurred in the Central European geopolitical region. Except for Germany, activities of left-wing extremism were a large problem. Generally, the situation in the Czech Republic did not wrench out of this trend. However, the left-wing movement under the motto of globalisation got stronger and more obvious.
The representation of fundamental extremist movements did not essentially change much in 1999, in comparison in 1998. The both right-wing and left-wing extremists were represented in the Czech extremist scene. The development in the course of the year confirmed the trends apparent in this scene in the years 1997 and 1998. As the Czech extremist scene reached a qualitatively higher development stage and involved international structures, its manifestations got striking force.
Activities of the principal representatives of extremist movements and their supporters did not considerably change the general point of view. Groups of persons or individuals supporting extremist movements occurred in all regions of the Czech Republic. Although we can make their existence a common thing and perceive it as a general phenomenon, it is necessary to pay them greater attention. In 1999, activism was typical for right-wing extremist spectrum. Such activism was accompanied by attempts to transform some movements into standard political parties. The radicalisation of anarcho-autonomous movements continued on the left-wing extremist spectrum.
In 1999 as well as in previous years the most serious crimes were committed in the Czech Republic in connection with racial and national intolerance. The crimes of extremist nature were committed by skinhead movement supporters and were aimed at Roma community members.
In terms of state security, the well-organised activities of extremist group supporters cannot be underestimated.
In comparison with 1998 the development of crimes with extremist subtext in 1999 was reversed. A considerable increase of detected crimes (+ 137.6%) was recorded. It was however according to the police experts accompanied by the decline of the extremist movement supporters (- 13.3% up to 17.8%). The highest number of persons was recorded, as in 1998, in Prague, followed by South Moravia and North Moravia. The mentioned rise in crimes apart from other things related to higher activity of the Czech police that concentrated attention on the detection and prosecution of crimes committed through print outs, symbols and emblems. So-called situational conflicts had their share in the rise of crimes. Such conflicts were predominantly of verbal nature. They express xenophobic moods and reflected the relations between majority and minority. Thus the citizens who are not in any way involved with extremist movements came into conflict with the laws. It is a newly recorded factor, which impacted the volume of crimes committed.
In comparison with 1998, no crime with subsequent death was committed in 1999. However very serious cases (such as the skinhead attack against Roma guests in České Budějovice or the attack of masked men on Roma and mixed families living in a homestead in Třebíč region) and a number of physical assaults resulting in severe injuries were recorded.
In 1999, the Czech police and bodies involved in investigation and prosecution continued their activities, commenced in 1998, aimed at prosecuting crimes committed through print outs, symbols and emblems. Thus the police managed to partially detect the nation-wide organisation Blood&Honour and to paralyse its activities.
An offensive approach was apparent in activities of the Ministry of Interior in 1999. It was demonstrated by the organising of the international symposium and by the Ministry’s approach towards registered organisations – the Patriotic Front and the National Alliance – and by the improvement in providing information to the public on the danger and forms of extremism.
New internal management procedures adopted by the Ministry of Interior, the Czech police and the Czech Investigation Bureau reflected four-years of experiences from the work in the field of extremist crimes. They comprehensively covered work relating to extremist issues with emphasis given on links among the individual Czech police units and departments and they laid the grounds for unified evaluation of crimes of extremist nature.
On the basis of a completed analysis it is generally clear that the trend in extremist crime development in a long-term view fluctuated. While in 1997 compared to 1996 there was an increase of the extremist crimes, the year 1998 saw a decline while in 1999 a rise in extremist crimes was recorded, which is also connected to the activities and higher pressure from the side of the Czech police. A partial analysis confirmed certain connections between the crimes motivated by racism and the presence of skinhead movement members and supporters. It also confirmed that the racially motivated crimes were concentrated in the regions with a higher concentration of Roma population. And finally, it confirmed that a higher unemployment rate impacted xenophobia demonstrated mainly by verbal attacks.
In 1999, the adopted Government Resolutions No. 192/1998 and No. 720/1999 were shown as very efficient and brought the expected effect. In the current situation it is still necessary to emphasise the activities of an expert group to combat extremism, which works under the Police Presidium, and to support the work of experts at the regional and districts levels. The co-operation with the Czech Intelligence Service, the Military Defence Intelligence Service and other bodies involved in criminal proceeding remains essential to successfully combat extremism.
An offensive approach towards extremism is an imperative for the Ministry of Interior on the threshold of the 21st century. The first successful steps on the way to this active policy were made in 1999 bearing in mind that ”European solutions” have to correspond with the European policy dimension of extremist matters.
One of the main assumptions for successful elimination of the aforementioned phenomenon is, in addition to decisive enforcement of laws, comprehensive prevention in which all ministries as well as non-governmental organisation participate. The aim has to be the total change of the climate in the Czech society that to a certain extent creates, but also restricts the room and possibilities of the extremists.