Czech govt tells people: 'Don't throw tomatoes or eggs at U.S. mil convoy

© Ruptly

US military convoy parades through Eastern Europe

Czech people were told not to throw tomatoes and eggs at a US military convoy rumbling through Eastern Europe, the local media said, citing the laws of the land. Those in love with egg & tomato hurling may get up to three years if convicted.

"Should anyone emerge with the intent to attack the convoy, with [items] such as tomatoes or eggs, it would qualify as disorderly conduct according to Czech legislation (up to 2 years without parole, in recidivist cases up to 3 years) or damage to property (sentences in the range of 6 months to 3 years)."

This statement was aired on Czech TV Nova and cited by the Russian Insider last week, ahead of the planned US military convoy.

Operation 'Dragoon Ride', a convoy of US military vehicles, mostly IAV Stryker APCs, started on Saturday. The convoy will make its way through Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, the Czech Republic, with its final destination being Germany. It will cross the Czech Republic between March 29 and April 1 on its way to a base in the German city of Vilseck.

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If skirmishes break out, offenders can expect to spend up to 3 years of prison. However, serious violence may incur 10-year sentences for the perpetrators.

"If (the incident) causes serious injuries, the attacker can receive a sentence of up to 10 years."

Also if someone decides to sabotage the US operation, he or she would also face charges, said the Czech Army Press.

"Sabotage and/or attacks in the Republic, including attempts to undermine its defense capabilities are subject to imprisonment ranging from 8-12 years or forfeiture of property - § 310 par. 1 of the Criminal Code," it said.

Earlier local media reported the government of the Czech Republic even instructed its own military to protect the US military convoy as it crosses the country over fears that numerous people protesting the move could stage "provocations."

On Sunday Czech anti-war activists launched the 'Tanks? No thanks!' campaign to protest the procession of US Army hardware through the Eastern European country. They say it has been turned into a "provocative victory parade" near the Russian border.

"The last time that vehicles like this came to the Czech Republic, they were Soviet tanks coming to crush moves towards democracy in 1968. We don't want such vehicles from foreign armies coming here ever again," said Tana Bednarova from the 'World without Wars and without Violence' organization.