The Czech government has greenlit a major overhaul of the country’s criminal justice system, shifting away from punitive prison sentences and toward fines, with a focus on easing penalties for minor offenses and relaxing cannabis laws.
Announced by Justice Minister Pavel Blažek after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the reform aims to bring the Czech system in line with other EU nations, which Blažek called more modern and effective.
The changes are designed to reduce the burden on overcrowded prisons, cut government expenses, and streamline criminal proceedings. Prime Minister Petr Fiala backed the move, calling it “absolutely necessary,” and expressed confidence that the reforms would be fully implemented by the end of the government’s term.
Under the new law, fines can now be imposed for any criminal offense, though serious crimes like rape will still carry harsher penalties. The reforms also scale back punishments for repeat petty theft and limit the criminalization of unpaid child support unless it endangers the child’s welfare. Meanwhile, penalties for crimes like deepfake pornography are expected to rise.
One of the most notable aspects of the reform is its approach to cannabis regulation. The new law allows individuals to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use and possess up to 50 grams. Cultivating four to five plants would be a misdemeanor, while more than five could result in felony charges. This shift brings the Czech Republic’s cannabis laws closer to those in other European countries, including Germany.
However, the reform has sparked debate. The opposition ANO party, led by Andrej Babiš, has raised concerns about the potential societal impacts of expanded cannabis access. On the other hand, the Pirates Party argues the new limits are too restrictive, proposing a higher threshold of 900 grams for legal possession, citing that three plants could yield up to 300 grams.
The changes are expected to impact around 600,000 Czech citizens who use cannabis for self-medication, in addition to recreational users, signaling a significant shift in the country’s approach to both criminal justice and drug policy.
