Czech courts convict nine for approving Russian invasion of Ukraine

Czech courts have already convicted nine people for approving the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The conviction case finds itself in a statement by the Czech Supreme State Prosecutor's Office made public on March 15, European Pravda reports.

Public statements approving Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine may be considered a criminal offence in the Czech Republic.

Of the nine convictions, all but one ended in suspended sentences or fines, Supreme State Prosecutor Igor Striz said.

A Czech activist convicted of posting hate speech against Ukrainians on social media received a nine-month prison sentence.

In addition to the nine convictions, 58 people were charged with approving Russia's aggression and criminal investigations were launched in 90 cases.

Striz explained that this can be considered a crime under certain conditions if someone publicly expresses approval of Russia's attack on Ukraine or supports Russian President Vladimir Putin at protests or on social media.