Lower house passes controversial ban on publishing of police wiretap transcripts

The Chamber of Deputies has passed an amendment to the Czech penal code banning the publication – or broadcasting - of police wiretap material by the media. The amendment introduces prison sentences of up to five years for anyone who publishes transcripts of conversations recorded by police, which critics say will threaten the freedom of the press. Until now, the Czech media relied regularly on police transcripts to point to connections, for example, in organised crime. It is the second time the lower house has passed the amendment, after it was rejected by the Senate. Other parts of the law deal with protecting the identities of victims of violent crimes. The amendment must still be signed by the president before coming into effect.

Author: Jan Velinger