Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has expressed concern over the high number of prisoners and length of time they spend in jail in the Czech Republic. He visited the Justice Ministry and stated that there needs to be a reform in the criminal justice system. The prisons are currently at 95% capacity and this is an issue compared to international standards.

Fiala proposed amendments to the criminal code, a change in the rigidity of sentencing, and increased use of alternative punishments. The latest data from the Prison Authority shows that there are 19,284 prisoners in the country, with 17,365 being convicted while the rest are in custody or detention. Most of the convicted are men, with only 1,603 women in prisons.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the length of court trials has decreased but criminal proceedings have lasted longer than previously. He also talked about the proposed amendment to the public prosecutor’s office law that introduces a time-limited mandate for the supreme prosecutor.

To further improve the justice system, the Prime Minister highlighted the simplification of the foundation of limited liability companies and increased pay for court experts, translators and interpreters. He also talked about the planned online database of court decisions, which will help increase public trust in the justice system.

Overall, Prime Minister Fiala stressed the need for a comprehensive solution to the problems faced by the criminal justice system in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum