We are pleased to present the second 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 Marie Kmecová, who shares her experience at the Ombudsperson’s Office, the CPT, and the broader human rights field with readers. Giving advice to those interested in pursuing a career in the human rights field.
Subsequently, Jakub Dubják details the Constitution Court's ruling regarding the investigation of the tragic shooting at Charles University to the victims' families. This decision reasserts victims' families' right to transparency and participation in investigations of state actions. Gabriela Tomečková then analyzes the State’s responsibility for a death in a police cell. The contribution presents the facts of the death and the Supreme Court's argument in favor of the injured party.
Jakub Dubják then examines a ruling of the Constitutional Court on suspending a prison sentence for a mother of a newborn, emphasizing that courts must respect fundamental rights and the child’s right to care. Following the article, Gabriela Tomečková examines a phenomenon of so-called “undeclared coalitions” in parliamentary elections. What is the future structure of political competition in the Czech Republic?
Aneta Cermanová then provides an in-depth analysis of a recent amendment to the Criminal Code, which changes the regulation of the criminal offense of neglecting child support. Aneta Cermanová concludes with a few remarks on personnel changes in the Constitutional Court and the Government Commissioner for Human Rights and sheds light on the recent approval to ban those with a Russian Diplomatic passport from entering the Czech Republic.
