President Petr Pavel has expressed his deep concern over recent violent attacks on young women in Prague and Plzen, extending his sympathies to the victims and their families. While praising the police’s work, President Pavel strongly condemned the manipulation of fear, anger, and panic for political purposes.

He cautioned against attributing the actions of individual criminals to entire groups of people, highlighting the dangers of exploiting negative emotions for personal or political gain. Drawing from history, Pavel emphasized the importance of avoiding the application of collective guilt, stressing that inciting heightened negative emotions only perpetuates the very issues society aims to combat.

The attacks have prompted debates and discussions on social media, with some users linking the crimes to Ukrainian migrants. However, the police have not confirmed the nationality of the suspects.

A related incident involved the attempted murder and rape of a 15-year-old girl, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old Ukrainian living in Plzen. The suspect remains in custody.

In response to the series of assaults, Prague police have charged a 16-year-old boy with the rape of a woman in Hostivar. While social media speculation has linked the incident to another Ukrainian national, the police have not verified this information. The incident has also been associated with ongoing tensions between Roma and Ukrainian migrant communities.

The recent attacks underscore the urgency of addressing the root causes of violent crimes against women, advocating for a society free from hate speech and violence. Supporting victims and their families and creating a safe environment for all citizens are paramount.

President Pavel’s statement serves as a poignant reminder that violence and aggression transcend nationality or religion, and such expressions must not be tolerated, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators. As societies strive for security and harmony, responsible leadership and fostering understanding among communities are pivotal steps toward a more inclusive and peaceful future.

Article by Prague Forum