Prague City Court is challenging President Václav Klaus’ amnesty declaration, which released thousands from prison earlier this month. The city court says the amnesty contradicts the constitution and is asking the Constitutional Court to throw it out entirely, since it was not discussed by the government. Prime Minister Petr Nečas warns, however, that such a move could throw into question the validity of previous amnesties as well.
The amnesty also halted prosecution in cases that have run longer than eight years and carry possible sentences of no more than 10 years. This includes several high-profile corruption cases. Last week, a group of senators across the political spectrum filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court in Brno, claiming the amnesty prevented victims in these cases from seeking compensation. The Prague City Court argues that even if the Constitutional Court does not declare the whole amnesty unlawful, it should at least declare the section related to halting long-term cases invalid.The Constitutional Court could consider the petitions from the Prague court and the senators at the same time.
