Constitutional Court to review stricter rules for Russian applicants for Czech citizenship

The Constitutional Court (ÚS) will review whether recent restrictions placed on Russian applicants for Czech citizenship are consistent with the country’s constitutional order. The Court has received a petition from 17 senators seeking to annul part of the so-called Lex Ukraine VII law. This legislation stipulates that Russian citizens can only acquire Czech citizenship if they submit proof of renouncing their Russian citizenship.

The senators argue that the measure discriminates against all Russian nationals, regardless of their personal stance or loyalty, and could unfairly penalize individuals who fled Russia due to repression or opposition to military actions initiated after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The petition is available on the Constitutional Court’s website.

According to the senators, the requirement is counterproductive and affects individuals who are likely aligned with the democratic values underlying Czech statehood. They contend that such individuals may never receive proof of termination of Russian citizenship, whereas those cooperating with Russian authorities might more easily obtain the necessary documents.

Representatives from different political groups have signed the petition. Senator Michael Canov (SLK) emphasized that he considers the rule unconstitutional, arguing it unfairly discriminates based on nationality.

The contested part of the law was introduced to protect the Czech Republic’s security and foreign policy interests in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It requires Russian citizens applying for Czech citizenship to prove they have renounced their Russian citizenship, with exceptions for asylum seekers, individuals offering significant benefits to the Czech Republic, and descendants of Czech nationals.

The senators also highlighted that existing legal tools already allow the Czech Republic to deny citizenship applications for security reasons, without disclosing sensitive information to applicants.

Judge Pavel Šámal has been assigned to handle the case initially, but the final decision will be made by the full assembly of the Constitutional Court.

Source: CTK