Former Czech MP Dominik Feri has appeared in court in Prague, denying charges of two counts of rape and one of attempted rape. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison. Feri, who resigned from his post in the Chamber of Deputies following a public outcry in spring 2021, has been accused by several women of sexual harassment, pressure and violence dating back to 2015. Prosecutors allege that he committed one of the offences against a minor who was 17 at the time. The trial began behind closed doors due to the sensitivity of the evidence.

On arriving at court, Feri reiterated his claim that he has never committed any type of sexual violence, though he admitted that he may not have met some women’s expectations. He said he was ready to cooperate fully with the trial and answer any questions. In the case relating to the minor, Feri denied that he had put any narcotics into her drink, as the prosecution claims, and in the other rape charge, he argued that the intercourse was consensual.

The police launched a criminal investigation against Feri after several women accused him publicly of harassment, pressure and violence in the spring of 2021. Some claimed he had forced them to have sex even after they had refused, while others said he had solicited explicit pictures from them and then publicly shamed them. Following the revelations, Feri resigned from his position and withdrew from public life, apologizing for his “inappropriate” behaviour.

Feri, who was known as one of the most popular politicians among young people in the country, has previously denied the accusations and vowed to prove his innocence, as the police had already shelved the cases. The trial, however, is a separate legal process, and the prosecutors will present their evidence in court.

The victim and expert testimony will take place behind closed doors, as the judge has deemed the evidence too sensitive to be discussed in public. The trial will continue in the coming days, with Feri’s defence team expected to argue that the allegations are unfounded. The case has sparked a wider debate in the Czech Republic on sexual harassment and assault and raised questions about the country’s legal system and attitudes towards such offences.

Article by Prague Forum