On the evening of August 29, Czech police initiated a manhunt for Tomáš Čermák, who was recently convicted in July and handed a 5.5-year prison sentence for promoting terrorism. The convict had utilized online platforms during the pandemic to incite violence against politicians and advocated for the burning of the Senate. This marks the second instance of legal action against Čermák, who had previously received a suspended sentence for making derogatory comments about Ukrainians.

According to a regional police spokeswoman, Iva Vršecká, the regional court in Plzen issued an arrest warrant for Tomáš Čermák. However, the specific grounds for the manhunt were not disclosed by the authorities.

The conviction and subsequent sentencing occurred in July when Čermák was found guilty of using social media channels to propagate extremist ideologies. In February, he had urged his followers to employ any means necessary, including violence, to obstruct the passage of pandemic-related legislation. His call for attacks targeted government officials, lawmakers, and senators. While Čermák admitted to making the statements, he argued that they were not genuine intentions and characterized them as errors.

The 35-year-old individual had been previously convicted as well. In December of the previous year, the Prague Regional Court had handed him a suspended prison term of 10 months for engaging in activities that defamed a nation and incited hatred. The basis for this conviction was Čermák’s expressions targeting Ukrainians.

The case underscores the challenges posed by the dissemination of extremist content on digital platforms, especially during times of heightened social and political tension. The manhunt for Čermák indicates law enforcement’s commitment to addressing such threats to public safety. As digital communication continues to play a pivotal role in contemporary society, ensuring a balance between freedom of expression and preventing the incitement of violence remains a complex endeavor for legal systems across the globe.

Article by Prague Forum