Translation
Information on possible criminal law limits to freedom of expression in relation to the situation in Ukraine 26. 2. 2022
Brno, 26 February 2022 - The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office deems it necessary to inform citizens that the current situation related to the Russian Federation’s attack on Ukraine may also have implications for their freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is constitutionally enshrined in Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. Everyone has the right to express his or her views in the manner he or she deems appropriate. But even freedom of expression has its limits in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
If someone publicly (including at demonstrations, in the space of the Internet or social networks) expresses approval of (accepts or supports) the Russian Federation’s attacks on Ukraine or, in this context, expresses support for or praises the leaders of the Russian Federation, he or she could, under certain conditions, also face criminal liability for the crime of endorsing a crime under Section 365 of the Criminal Code, or for the crime of denying, questioning, endorsing or justifying genocide under Section 405 of the Criminal Code.
The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office appeals to all persons not to resort to public speeches in these difficult times that would exceed the established constitutional and legal restrictions.
JUDr. Igor Stříž
Supreme State Prosecutor
So the same thing Russia is doing. Yikes. Both Russia and CR are wrong for this.
That seems rather… oh what’s the word? Starts with an a… I’m sure it’s not important.
Communists shouldn’t be supporting the war in any case.
https://spravy.rtvs.sk/2022/02/za-podporu-vojnovej-propagandy-hrozi-az-dozivotie/
Slovakia’s state media outlet RTVS reported that citizens who express support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could be criminally punished, and face 10 to 25 years in prison
The public broadcaster said that endorsing Moscow’s actions could violate section 417 of Slovakia’s Criminal Code, on “threats to peace.”
https://www.pardrosibu.lv/2022/03/01/aicina-zinot-par-krievijas-agresijas-atbalstitajiem-latvija/
Latvia now has a police hotline to report citizens who support Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.
Local media outlet Par drošību reported that there are least four Latvian laws that prohibit supporting and justifying the war. These statutes are similar to those of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The website encouraged Latvian citizens to report neighbors suspected of sympathizing with Moscow, providing them with a phone number and email address for the police.
