President says authorities must address problem of overcrowded prisons

President Petr Pavel has urged the Czech authorities to address the problem of overcrowded prisons, pointing out that complex measures are needed, including amendments to the Penal Code. He rejected the idea that amnesty could be the solution to prison overcrowding. “Our penal system largely substitutes for the deficits of the social system, which is very wrong. The consequence of this is that prisons are overcrowded and it costs the state enormous resources," Pavel said, adding that several ministries as well as the private sector and non-profit organisations must address the problem together.