Under Czech law, a prison sentence may be deferred or suspended for a certain period of time because of health condition or other important reasons. In the current circumstances, relevant provisions are being interpreted broadly to include also the pending public health concerns and quarantine requirements. This is partially because the prisons and other similar facilities usually cannot accommodate inmates who require quarantine or hospitalization.  

On 16 April 2020, the Czech Minister of Justice released a statement supporting the practice of deferring /suspending prison sentences in order to protect the health of the prisoners. However, as of the date of this report, no biding decree or even non-binding general guidance was released by the Ministry of Justice, which means that decision remains in the discretion of the relevant judge. 

We publish information as it is reported to us. If you would like to make us aware of an inaccuracy or send us more information please email us at [email protected]