Constitutional Court upholds movement restrictions in Šumava National Park

The Czech Constitutional Court has rejected a complaint challenging restrictions on movement in parts of Šumava National Park, imposed to protect the endangered western capercaillie, a large woodland bird. A Prague resident argued that the ban on leaving marked trails violated his constitutional right to freedom of movement and was ideologically motivated. The court ruled that freedom of movement is not absolute and can be restricted to protect nature. The measures, introduced in 2023, cover areas along the German border. The court agreed with earlier rulings that protecting biodiversity was a legitimate public interest outweighing the complainant's individual rights.