Русская версияUnder the new draft code, individuals charged with crime could avoid punishment if they helped in clarifying a serious crime committed by an organised group.
A state attorney is allowed to halt the prosecution of a crown witness if the witness confesses to his/her crime and returns all property gained by the crime.
However, such a crown witness cannot be a person charged with murder or serious bodily harm or with a more serious crime than s/he helps to reveal, and the witness also cannot be a criminal who cooperates with the police in uncovering a crime that s/he organised.
The Justice Ministry wants to motivate members of organised crime groups to cooperate with the police and attorneys through the introduction of the institute of the crown witness.
The measure is to help prove the guilt of mafia bosses.
Czech parliament passed a bill on the introduction of crown witness in 2005, but President Vaclav Klaus vetoed the bill and the lower house then failed to outvote his veto.
The new Penal Code reckons with more powers for state attorneys in court and increased protection of crime victims.
(Ceske Noviny)
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