Czech politician under investigation for Hitler references and comments

The Prague police are investigating controversial statements made by Filip Turek, honorary president of the Motoristé movement, as possible criminal offenses, including incitement to hatred and hate speech, reports the news channel ČT24.

This is in response to research by the Czech newspaper Deník N, according to which Turek has repeatedly published racist, sexist, and homophobic comments as well as references to Hitler and Mussolini in the past.

Turek has apologized for some of his statements, but denied others. The Motoristé movement has since filed a criminal complaint.

The whole affair is also affecting the political negotiations to form a government. According to an agreement between ANO, SPD and Motoristé, Turek is set to become foreign minister. The deputy chairman of the ANO party, Karel Havlíček, said Turek had a few weeks to explain the matter.

In addition, the news portal iRozhlas.cz reported that Turek is alleged to have threatened an employee of the Saudi Arabian embassy in the past.

President Petr Pavel warned that Turek would have no place in the government if the allegations were confirmed.

(lup)