The City Prosecutor’s Office in Prague is currently considering the possible criminal liability of three witnesses in the Čapí hnízdo case. The case has been ongoing for several years and involves allegations of fraud relating to a CZK 50 million subsidy provided by the EU to the Stork’s Nest Farm. Billionaire businessman and former prime minister, Andrej Babiš, is accused of illegally acquiring the subsidy for the farm. Babiš and his former chief of staff, Jana Nagyová, were acquitted of the charges in January, but the state prosecutor has since appealed the verdict.

During the January trial, Judge Jan Šott drew attention to the possible illegal actions of three witnesses in the case: Agrofert’s financial director, Petra Procházková; former CEO of Farm Čapí hnízdo, František Šlingr; and former Farm Čapí hnízdo director, Tomáš Raka. The judge indicated that prosecutors and the police should consider whether Procházková and Šlingr committed perjury during their testimony and whether Raka’s testimony could constitute blackmail.

The Prague City Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing the case files and witness statements to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that any of the witnesses may have committed a criminal offense. If so, the matter will be referred to the appropriate district prosecutor’s office for further action.

The possible criminal liability of the three witnesses in the case highlights the ongoing nature of the investigation and the complexity of the legal proceedings surrounding the Čapí hnízdo case. The case has caused significant controversy in the Czech Republic and has been a topic of discussion for several years. The current development means that Babiš and Nagyová will have to go to court again, this time in front of the Court of Appeal in Prague, following the appeal by state prosecutor Jaroslav Šaroch.

It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the issue and whether any further charges will be brought against those involved. The case has attracted significant media attention and has been a source of controversy in the Czech Republic, with some questioning the fairness of the legal proceedings. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the Čapí hnízdo case serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.

Article by Prague Forum