We are pleased to present the latest issue of the Czech Republic Human Rights Review.
We begin with "Thirty Years of Czech Independence: A Journey of Sovereignty, Democracy, and Unity," in which Adéla Hrdá reflects on three decades of an independent Czech state and its evolution into a democratic society. Next, Karolína Vejmolová examines how the current criminal justice system addresses past injustices, with a focus on the accountability of communist officials for deaths at the Czechoslovak border.
In the following section, the authors delve into the fascinating case law of the Czech judiciary. Adéla Hrdá explores the electoral jurisprudence of the Supreme Administrative Court in the context of elections to the upper chamber of the Czech Parliament. Jakub Dubják then analyzes the Constitutional Court's ruling on the wrongful placement of a child in a children's home without due process. In his next article, Jakub explores the Constitutional Court's stance on the "Do Not Resuscitate" order, raising the question: Should doctors consult patients in end-of-life situations? Barbora Headlandová offers a thorough examination of the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on gender change. Finally, Jakub Dubják provides a detailed analysis of general court rulings on the alleged torture of a prisoner who was handcuffed to a window bar.
In "Czech Republic before the European Court of Human Rights in 2023”, Klára Popelková highlights the European level of human rights protection and offers an overview of Czech cases brought before the Strasbourg Court. Karolína Vejmolová returns with "A Sniper Fighting on the Side of Pro-Russian Separatists Sentenced to 21 Years", a chilling account of the prosecution of a Czech sniper responsible for multiple deaths during the conflict in Ukraine.
In conclusion, we pause to reflect on the tragic events of the mass shooting at Charles University in Prague. Daniela Skácelíková revisits the incident and examines its broader implications for public safety and the national psyche.
