Czech Senate votes against Istanbul Convention

The Czech Senate has narrowly failed to approve the so-called Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Only 34 of the 71 senators present for Wednesday night’s vote were in favour of its ratification, two votes short of adoption. The vote followed seven hours of often intense debate.

Czechia will thus be among the minority of European states that have signed but not ratified the convention.

The Chamber of Deputies was also meant to vote on the document. However, in view of the Senate's position it is not now expected to discuss it, the Czech News Agency said.