Energoaqua asks to end criminal prosecution in Bečva River affair

Energy services provider Energoaqua and its director Oldřich Havelka have formally asked police and prosecutors to stop their criminal prosecution in connection to the cyanide poisoning of a 40km strip of the Bečva river in Moravia last September, which caused the death of 40 tons of fish.

Energoaqua commissioned several scientists to analyse the incident. According to the company’s press release, the results of the analysis put the current expert opinion, which led to the investigation, into question. The analysis shows that it cannot be clearly said which chemical caused the accident, according to Energoaqua.

The police accused Energoaqua's director Oldřich Havelka and his company in June this year on suspicion of damaging and endangering the environment and of unauthorized handling of protected animals and plants. If it is found guilty, the company could face a ban on activities as well as a fine. Meanwhile, its director, Oldřich Havelka, could face a prison sentence of up to five years.