President Pavel signs law extending protection for Ukrainian refugees

President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment extending protections for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian aggression. The amendment includes new penalties for unauthorized activities on behalf of foreign powers and tighter conditions for Russian applicants seeking Czech citizenship, which has sparked criticism from some lawmakers.

The law introduces a crime for unauthorized foreign activities, punishable by up to five years in prison, or 15 years during martial law. Critics argue that the wording is vague and could lead to misuse, with some planning to challenge it in the Constitutional Court.

Additionally, the law stipulates that Russian applicants must renounce their citizenship and provide proof of it, which some opponents of the Russian regime argue is impossible to obtain. However, the Interior Ministry noted that exceptions for asylum seekers are allowed.