Czech Republic: You Could be Imprisoned for Up to 3 Years for Publicly Supporting Russia’s Actions

Did the Czech Republic become North Korea overnight?

The European nation has unleashed a fierce wave of censorship in wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

It’s a complex geopolitical conflict and there’s going to be a wide range of opinions on the topic.

While I’m not here to pick sides, censorship and imprisoning others for expressing their thoughts is a dangerous path to follow.

And that’s what the Czech Republic has resorted to for individuals that express the “wrong” beliefs the government deems reprehensible.

Czech police reportedly are investigating complaints of people who “publicly approve and supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

“If someone publicly (including demonstrations, the Internet or social networks) agreed (accepted or supported the Russian Federation’s attacks on Ukraine) or expressed support or praised the leaders of the Russian Federation in this regard, they could, under certain conditions, face criminal liability for the criminal offense of approving a criminal offense pursuant to Section 365 of the Criminal Code, or for the criminal offense of denying, questioning, approving and justifying genocide pursuant to Section 405 of the Criminal Code, said Attorney General Igor Stříž in a press release on the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Those found guilty reportedly face one year in prison for approving a crime and six months to three years for approving genocide.

https://twitter.com/ASBMilitary/status/1498501230829748224

NEW: Czech Republic announces that anyone expressing support for Russia will face “prison for 1 to 3 years”. #Ukraine #Russia #CzechRepublic pic.twitter.com/c4dIYS0vh8

— Iowa Youth Collective (@IAYouthCollect) March 1, 2022

TN CZ reported:

Police said at noon on Sunday that they were already investigating dozens of cases in which someone had approved the Russian invasion.

“We record dozens of comments in internet discussions approving the Russian invasion and the activities of the Russian army. We closely monitor the Internet environment and apologize for not responding to every sign in the posts. It is not always desirable and tactical,” police said on Twitter.

They warned on Saturday that they would focus on cyberspace. The Attorney General Igor Striz pointed out that support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine could border on two crimes.

The press release from the Supreme State Prosecutor:

Brno, February 26, 2022 – The Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office considers it necessary to inform citizens that the current situation associated with the Russian Federation’s attack on Ukraine may have implications for their freedom of expression.  

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Freedom of expression is enshrined at the constitutional level in Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. Everyone has the right to express their views in any way they see fit. But freedom of speech also has its limits in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.  

If someone publicly (including demonstrations, the Internet or social networks) agreed (accepted or supported the Russian Federation’s attacks on Ukraine) or expressed support or praised the leaders of the Russian Federation in this regard, they could also face criminal liability under certain conditions. for the criminal offense of approving a criminal offense pursuant to Section 365 of the Criminal Code, or for the criminal offense of denying, questioning, approving and justifying genocide pursuant to Section 405 of the Criminal Code.

The Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office appeals to all persons not to resort to public speeches in excess of the established constitutional and legal restrictions in these difficult times.

JUDr. Igor Stříž
Chief Attorney

Censorship never leads down a righteous path.

Imprisoning citizens for expressing a belief, whether you agree or disagree, should be condemned in a free society.