An increasing number of young people in the Czech Republic are becoming radicalized, showing admiration for violence and expressing disdain toward women.
This phenomenon is primarily developing within online environments, where extremist behavioral patterns and normalization of violence influence these youths. Both experts and the Ministry of the Interior highlight this concerning trend in a recent extremism report. According to specialists, the growing violent tendencies among young Czechs are a serious and alarming issue connected to their radicalization.
A recent court case illustrates the severity of the problem. It involved a young man from Moravia who, last year, established a movement aimed at suppressing individual rights and freedoms. He repeatedly shared content featuring Nazi symbols, promoted terrorism, and incited hatred and violence against various minority groups. Moreover, he obtained chemicals to manufacture explosives and created two short-barreled firearms using a 3D printer.
Although the weapons were not operable without further modifications, he faced charges for illegal possession and threats involving these weapons. Last week, the Olomouc Regional Court sentenced him to 16 months in prison.
The Ministry of the Interior’s latest report on extremism identifies youth radicalization and their growing fascination with violence as emerging concerns.
Jan Harvat, an extremism expert and political scientist, remarks that this is a relatively new development. He notes that young people tend to be more radical than older generations but do not make up the majority. “While far-right or far-left parties generally garner support from about 5–10% of the population, among young people under 25 this figure is about 15%,” he clarifies, adding that this trend is predominantly seen among boys. Harvat also points out that youth radicalization is not unique to the Czech Republic but is also observed in other European and American nations.
According to the Ministry of the Interior’s report, youth radicalization mainly happens online within groups or private chats. Teenagers and minors often encounter radical communities through online games, social media platforms, or forums. “Very often, in these cases there is no connection to a specific ideology or any long-term attachment, and, conversely, a clear fascination with violence is evident,” the report states.
