Abstract
Holocaust denial, which may be classified as an expression of anti-Semitism of modern times, represents a series of assertions whose objective is to disparage or refute generally accepted and scientifically supported facts regarding Holocaust as the genocide of Jews and other ethnic groups by Nazi Germany and its allies during WWII. This phenomenon emerged soon after the end of the Second World War.
France is usually designated as the cradle of Holocaust denial; very quickly those opinions found their way over the ocean where they spread primarily due to the favourable legal environment. Holocaust denial has been frequently identified with so-called historical revisionism, which attempts, under the cover of scientific research, to marginalize and justify the history of Nazi Germany.
In relation to the increase in extremism, mainly neo-Nazi movement, several European countries have adopted legislative measure against disparagement or denial of Holocaust: the Czech Republic, where the dissemination of thesis of Holocaust denial has been connected primarily with ultra-right groups and movements, has amended its Criminal Code by Act 405/2000 Sb. so that Holocaust denial could be criminally prosecuted. Today, Holocaust denial is incorporated in the new Criminal Code in section 405 entitled "Denial, disparagement, approval and justification of genocide".