Court rules police actions against activists in Šumava nature reserve were illegal

The regional court in Plzen has ruled that the police actions against environment activists trying to prevent logging in the Šumava National Park were illegal. The court said the blockade was in effect a public gathering which can only be forcibly dispersed for serious reasons. In the course of the summer the police repeatedly used force to disperse protesters and came under fire for excessive brutality. One of the activists took the matter to court. Lawyers are now advising activists to file claims for an apology and financial compensation from the state.