Police investigating possible “crime against republic” related to Zeman hospitalisation

The Czech police are investigating whether a possible “crime against the republic” was committed in connection with President Miloš Zeman, who has been in an ICU in hospital for over a week.

The news follows revelations Monday, when the speaker of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, quoted doctors at the Central Military Hospital as saying the head of state was unable to carry out his duties due to his state of health.

Mr. Vystrčil said the head of Mr. Zeman’s office, Vratislav Mynář, had been informed of the president’s incapacity last Wednesday.

However, a day later Mr. Mynář mediated a meeting between the head of state and the speaker of the lower house, Radek Vondráček, who later made public a document convening the new Chamber of Deputies in early November and purportedly signed by Mr. Zeman.

The crimes that qualify as being against the republic in Czech law are treason, sabotage and subversion.

Author: Ian Willoughby