The Czech Radio editor-in-chief of Roma programming has applied for political asylum in Canada

3. 6. 2009

a press release

Czech public service radio is greatly concerned by the growing number of racially motivated attacks and the growing radicalisation of Czech society. Intolerant and xenophobic behaviour has affected even Czech Radio journalists.

Anna Poláková, the editor-in-chief of Roma minority programming on the ČRo 1 - Radiožurnál station has applied for political asylum in Canada.

"My application for asylum is not connected with my radio work. It is due to constant attacks against my family and due to the radicalisation of [Czech] society," said Anna Poláková in an email which she sent to Hana Hikelová, Controller of Czech Radio's news and current affairs stations on 2nd June 2009.

"According to the documentation that Anna Poláková has made available to me, her family has recently been the target of brutal attacks. We will make sure that these cases are thoroughly investigated and will consult our lawyers in order to facilitate this," said Hikelová.

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