Czech court acquits members of pro-Russian militia group of terrorism charges
A Czech court cleared members of a pro-Russian paramilitary group of terrorism charges, though its leader received a suspended sentence for organizing paramilitary training.
A Czech court has acquitted members of the pro-Russian paramilitary group Czechoslovak Reserve Soldiers for Peace of charges related to supporting terrorism.
While clearing the defendants of terrorism-related allegations, the court handed Ivan Kratochvíl, the militia's leader, a one-year suspended sentence alongside a five-year ban on organizing military or paramilitary training groups. Additionally, group sympathizer Vladimír Štádler received a six-month suspended sentence for illegal firearms possession. Two other defendants associated with the organization were fully acquitted of all charges.
The state prosecutor is expected to appeal the ruling. The group had previously drawn scrutiny from Czech law enforcement and intelligence services over its pro-Kremlin stance and paramilitary training activities.
Sources: Respect