Barbora Škrlová granted early release from prison

A district court has freed Barbora Škrlová, who was sentenced to five years for her part in the “Kuřim” child abuse case. The 36-year-old woman was released two and a half years early after a fierce debate in court between the state prosecutor and her lawyer, who says her psychological condition has not improved in prison. The prosecution maintained that Ms Škrlová behaves like a sullen child but is actually a skilled manipulator. Her case began in 2007, when six individuals linked to a small religious sect were charged with violently abusing two children. Škrlová pretended to be one of the children and was taken into childcare from which she escaped. She was later found in Norway after her true identity was revealed. She will remain on probation for five years.