Local authorities get right to ban repeat offenders with official residence elsewhere

Local authorities in the Czech Republic are set to receive the power to impose a three-month residency ban on individuals who repeatedly commit selected misdemeanors, such as prostitution, drinking alcohol or begging in spots where such activities are forbidden. At present, only courts can impose residency bans. The new powers will not relate to places where perpetrators have permanent residence. The lower house narrowly approved the Civic Democrat-submitted legislation on Wednesday, overturning a veto by President Václav Klaus; he described the measure as populist and possibly unconstitutional.