Unidentified assailants targeted the Russian House in the Czech capital in what Moscow has labeled a terrorist attack
The Russian House cultural center in the Czech capital of Prague was attacked with Molotov cocktails on Thursday evening, in what Moscow has labeled a “terrorist attack.”
The facility’s director, Igor Girenko, told RT that the attackers appeared to target the windows of the building’s library, noting that three of the six incendiary bottles thrown failed to explode. “It’s hard to imagine what the consequences would have been if these inhumane men had succeeded.”
Girenko suggested that the timing of the attack was “no coincidence,” noting that the final event of the Russian Culture Days festival was scheduled for Thursday.
“Only inhuman creatures would target culture! We are well acquainted with their habits and signature,” the Russian House director said. He also thanked local law enforcement and firefighters who arrived at the scene within minutes.
“We believe this crime will not go unsolved, and that those responsible will receive a harsh and just punishment,” Girenko added.
Meanwhile, Pavel Shevtsov, the deputy head of the state Rossotrudnichestvo cultural exchange agency which operates the cultural center, told RIA Novosti that the incident is being treated as a “terrorist attack against our Rossotrudnichestvo center, against Russian property,” adding that this was “a planned, targeted attack.”
Shevtsov said Rosssotrudnichestvo, with assistance of the Russian Embassy, is in contact with the local authorities to find and bring to justice those responsible for the attack.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also condemned the attack, describing it in a statement to TASS as “barbaric.”
The Czech authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the attack, noting that the assailant who fled from the scene could face up to three years in prison.
