Zeman office could face fine over shredding of classified documents

President Miloš Zeman’s office could face a fine of up to CZK 200,000 over the controversial shredding of classified documents, Czech Radio reported on Tuesday. The Office of the President has been accused of shredding an intelligence report relating to a Russian operation on Czech territory in 2013 that left two people dead.

Czech Radio said that the National Archive would now decide about any potential wrongdoing, adding that Mr. Zeman’s officials had also shredded hundreds of other classified documents late last year.

The destruction of the intelligence report came to light after police sought it to check if it had been handled by any unauthorised persons; some of the head of state’s closest associates lack security clearance.

The National Archive is currently preparing to investigate the matter. A fine of CZK 200,000 is the biggest punishment it can impose in such a case.