The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and the Jewish Community in Prague issue the following statement regarding the planned performance of Kanye West in the Czech Republic.
“The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and the Jewish Community in Prague consider it unacceptable that, in a country that has experienced the Holocaust and is still home to survivors of Nazi persecution, a person could perform who has publicly and repeatedly expressed sympathy for Nazism and hatred not only toward Jews.
The musician Kanye West has in the past repeatedly expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler, described himself as a Nazi, and spread antisemitic statements. It is deeply troubling that the author of such remarks could be given a public platform in the Czech Republic and that commercial interest might outweigh the clear rejection of incitement to racial hatred.
We recall that other democratic countries have taken action in response to similar concerns. The United Kingdom has denied him entry in connection with a planned performance. In Poland and Switzerland, his concerts have been cancelled, and in France, representatives of the state and local authorities have opposed his appearance and the concert has been postponed.
We call on all relevant institutions and authorities in the Czech Republic to ensure strict compliance with the legal order and constitutional values of the country, and to prevent public space from being used to spread or incite any form of racial or religious hatred.
Public platforms carry responsibility. Artistic freedom does not absolve individuals or organisers from the consequences of promoting or legitimising hatred.”
