The lower house of the Czech parliament approved amendments complicating the acquisition of Czech citizenship by Russians, Euractiv reported.
The new rules require Russian applicants for Czech citizenship to renounce their Russian citizenship. However, the process would require approval from Russian authorities, which was difficult or impossible for many applicants, experts said.
Supporters of the amendments, such as Interior Minister Vít Rakušan of the STAN party, defended the changes, citing safety concerns.
According to reports from all our intelligence services, the security situation in the Czech Republic is changing. Russian activities represent a clear threat. Addressing these risks is not discrimination, but a responsibility.
Opposition MPs reportedly voted against the amendments. Jakub Michálek, MP of the Czech Pirate Party, stated:
Today I could not support a ban on all people of Russian origin, including those who actively oppose Putin, who have lived here for over 10 years, who work and contribute to society, from applying for Czech citizenship.
The bill now goes to the Senate and, if approved, to President Petr Pavel for signature.
