Lower house approves Czech Magnitsky Act

The Czech lower house approved a law on Friday inspired by the US 2016 Magnitsky Act, allowing national sanctions against foreign entities who have committed serious illegal acts. The legislation will allow the Czech state to impose sanctions not included in the EU's sanctions list on people associated with organisations or regimes that violate human rights or use cyber attacks. They could, for example, be prevented from entering or staying on Czech territory or have their assets frozen.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced the government to speed up the preparation of the legislation, which should be adopted by the end of next year. The law now needs to be approved by the Senate.