In the Bedřiška colony, the demolition of a house that was previously defended by activists has begun

Ostrava - Police officers secured a house for demolition this morning in the former mining colony Bedřiška in Ostrava. In previous days, activists had remained on its roof despite the cold weather, trying to prevent the demolition. They were not there now. Today, ČTK was informed by Mayor Patrik Hujdus (Mayors for Ostrava) and police spokesperson Eva Michalíková. Hujdus stated that the demolition of the building began around 6:30 AM.

The demolition of empty Finnish houses in the settlement began on November 12. A day later, supporters of the settlement arrived and occupied the last house in the current demolition wave. Opponents of the demolition argue that the colony is an example of unique community work, where a socially weak locality has been transformed into a functioning neighborhood. They have also sought assistance from President Petr Pavel or the human rights commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková.

"The municipal district of Mariánské Hory and Hulváky perceived the activists' demonstration as a peaceful expression of opinion," stated Hujdus. "Given the adverse weather in winter, we do not want to prolong this situation any further," he added.

According to him, five months of uninhabited buildings are being demolished, whose tenants have moved out. "Approximately 15 rental houses remain in Bedřiška, which are still inhabited and will be for several more years," Hujdus stated.

The demolished building is part of a duplex. The mayor mentioned that the city offered temporary accommodation in a hotel to the family occupying the other half of the building that is not being demolished. According to Hujdus, the residents of the second part of the house declined the offer; however, he said the offer still stands. He mentioned that the demolished part had been uninhabited for more than two years.

The police spokesperson stated that in recent days, the mayor requested police assistance due to concerns about illegal activities during the demolition in Bedřiška. She added that the police established a security perimeter and is overseeing safety during the demolition.

The town hall of the Ostrava district of Mariánské Hory and Hulváky ordered the demolition because it does not want to maintain the houses in the settlement due to their condition. According to the town hall, they are beyond their useful life, and repair costs are high. The district aims to gradually evict the tenants and leave the area as a strategic land reserve. Residents claim that the Finnish houses are not in such bad condition.