What is Czechia's shady 'anti-system' movement and why is it dangerous?

According to a report on extremism published Thursday by the Czech Interior Ministry, the so-called Czech "anti-system" movement has continued to dominate the country's extremist scene in the second half of last year. However, what exactly does the anti-system movement promote – and what is it?

The anti-system movement, which can also be referred to as anti-establishment, is a loose collection of people who oppose the actions of the current government coalition and its ideology. The Interior Ministry’s report finds that members of the movement are spread around the country and are often working class (or lack a university education).

Followers of the anti-system movement often express admiration and approval of the current Russian regime. "The unifying element of this movement is criticism, disrespect, and non-recognition of the institutions of the Czech state,” the report adds.

The ministry noted that those part of the anti-system movement do not offer any specific political program but “only present misleading information – usually pro-Russian – and conspiracy theories.” Some publish threats or commit criminal activity.

The report has also pointed out that the current movement has “eclipsed” the traditional Czech neo-Nazi and xenophobic scene, which in the past was far more visible in the public eye.

High-profile activists and disinformers, such as Tomáš Čermák, have in the past utilized their large social media platforms to spread anti-Ukrainian hate speech and misinformation about the current Russia-Ukraine war. 

Some fans of Čermák and his ideologies have also attended anti-government demonstrations, of which there have been several in 2022 and 2023. In March last year, for example, police charged a man for wearing a pro-Russian “Z” symbol to a Wenceslas Square protest.

In 2023, journalist Jana Peterková stood trial for consistently publishing anti-government misinformation, particularly in her criticism of the coalition's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. A small riot erupted during the trial as tens of her supporters stormed the courtroom.

Yes – and at a higher rate in the past 12 months. In 2023, police officers recorded 181 hate crimes – an increase of 32 year on year. Authorities prosecuted almost 100 people, with the majority facing charges of violence against a group or an individual. 

The police reported incitement to national and racial hatred as the most common offense. The Roma had the highest number of victims, with 25 reported cases, followed by Jews with 18 reports of violence.

Notably, the report points out that disinformers within the anti-system movement deliberately tried to worsen Roma-Ukrainian affairs in the Czech Republic. Since 2022, these groups have been straining their relations – this especially came to light after a Ukrainian stabbed a Roma in Brno, prompting protests. As a result, the anti-system movement deliberately presented itself as a defender of Roma rights in a bid to promote anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

The ministry also reported that some influential Roma who share their views through live broadcasts on social media contributed to the radicalization of a portion of the Roma community. However, the ministry also noted that some members of the Roma community attempted to alleviate the tension.

Yes, but only to a limited extent. The report identifies both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups spreading misinformation since early October. Muslims have also been targeted in some hate crimes, although the frequency of this is low. The Interior Ministry does not see any risk of Muslims or Israelis in Czechia being radicalized.