We are pleased to present the first issue of the Czech Democracy & Rights Bulletin, which compiles recent developments and indicators on the state of human rights and justice in the Czech Republic.
The edition opens with an interview with Tomáš Langášek, a newly appointed Judge of the Czech Constitutional Court, who shares his beliefs on democracy, free speech, and judicial restraint, as well as what it means to be a Constitutional judge.
Following the article is an examination of how the Constitutional Court upheld its dedication to maintain the human rights of all individuals, as shown in the Court's decision not to transfer a mentally ill prisoner. This commitment is also demonstrated in the long-awaited accounting for the death of an Afghan soldier by Czech soldiers after seven years.
In addition, there are contributions with updates on previous cases, including: how the Constitutional Court must now face a retrial after a judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, and progress in the form of the so-called Crucifixion of Jesus Christ case before the Constitutional Court. The latter highlights the expansion of rights for crime victims.
Further contributions offer an analysis of the Security Information Service Annual Report, the Constitutional Courts' recent decision on Šantovka Tower, the Supreme Court's responses, an explanation of the use of AI in Administrative procedures, and the Supreme Court's response to the Šalamoun association.
We hope this edition offers an insightful view of the Constitutional Court's role in upholding human rights and the checks and balances within the European court system.
We are pleased to present the 2024 issue of the Czech Republic Human Rights Review, bringing together key developments and reflections on the state of human rights and justice in the Czech Republic.
The edition opens with an analysis of the ongoing climate litigation before the Supreme Administrative Court, followed by an overview of the new composition of the Constitutional Court. The issue also examines the rising impact
of state-sponsored cyberattacks and presents an overview of extremism in the Czech Republic, highlighting the role of disinformation and pro-Russian influence.
In the field of human rights protection, this issue discusses the Constitutional Court’s approach to vulnerable victims, the clarification of compensation rules for illegal sterilisation, the creation of the Children’s Ombudsman, and the role of the Constitutional Court in non-material damage compensation.
Further contributions explore freedom of expression in administrative proceedings, the limitation of lay elements in judicial decision-making, questions of family identity, and the ongoing problem of educational segregation of Roma children. The issue concludes with a reflection on the constitutional limits of confessions in criminal proceedings.
We hope this edition offers an insightful overview of how Czech law continues to evolve in addressing key human rights challenges — from climate justice and cybersecurity to equality, dignity, and the rule of law.
