Czech Senate backs ending statute of limitations for murder

The Czech Senate has approved legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for murder, sending the proposal to the government and Chamber of Deputies for further consideration.

The Senate-backed amendment passed almost unanimously Wednesday. It was introduced by a seven-member group led by Senate Vice President Jitka Seitlová of the Christian Democrats.

Murder can currently be prosecuted in Czechia for up to 30 years after it is committed. Once that period expires, criminal liability ends even if new evidence identifies a suspect.

Supporters say advances in DNA analysis and other forensic techniques make it increasingly possible to solve serious crimes decades after they were committed.

They also argue that murder should remain prosecutable in the interests of victims’ relatives and the wider public.

Seitlová said abolishing the limitation period would bring Czech law closer to rules in countries including neighboring Austria and Germany.

If adopted in its current form, the amendment would apply only to murders committed after it takes effect on July 1, 2027. Its practical impact would therefore first become apparent in July 2057, when the existing 30-year limitation period would otherwise expire for those crimes.

The change would not revive criminal liability for older murders whose limitation periods have already expired.

Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc has supported the principle of the Senate proposal, but the governing coalition is pursuing a similar change through separate legislation.

The coalition version would make premeditated murder and several other crimes involving intentional killing exempt from limitation periods. It could also cover some offenses connected with public endangerment and terrorism when they carry a possible exceptional sentence.

Deputy Chamber Vice President Barbora Urbanová of Mayors and Independents has proposed an even broader version. Her amendment would cover all forms of murder and other exceptionally punishable crimes in which death was caused or intended.

The Chamber of Deputies is expected to consider those proposals in October as part of an amendment dealing with the criminal offense of failing to pay child support.

The Senate’s bill will now be reviewed by the government before moving to the lower house. It must still be approved by deputies and signed by the president before becoming law.