Prosecutor seeks 12-year sentence for man accused of Czech Switzerland wildfire

At the Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem, the prosecutor requested a minimum 12-year prison sentence for Jiří Lobotka, a former volunteer park ranger, for causing a massive wildfire in Czech Switzerland National Park and several smaller fires in the Děčín area. Lobotka initially confessed but later denied involvement in the 2022 fire. He faces up to 15 years in prison for endangering public safety and property damage, with the state seeking CZK 225 million in damages. The defense argued Lobotka should only be convicted for smaller 2023 fires and receive a suspended sentence. The case continues.