Czech Supreme Court clarifies sexual‑attack definition as new law takes effect, justice minister proposes lowering youth

The Czech Supreme Court upheld a lower‑court verdict that a man who repeatedly abused a nine‑year‑old girl in 2019 committed a criminal offence classified as a sexual attack, not rape, under the criminal‑code amendment that entered into force on 1 January 2025. The court emphasized that the non‑penetrative nature of the conduct does not preclude a rape qualification and applied the new definition of "sexual attack" for the first time.

Separately, Justice Minister Stanislav Tejc announced a proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility for the most serious violent crimes from the current 15 years to 13 years, with the change intended to take effect on 1 January 2028. The minister argues the move would address cases where a 14‑year‑old could commit mass murder without being criminally liable. The proposal has drawn opposition from the senior prosecutor, the children’s ombudsman and several parliamentarians, signaling a forthcoming heated debate in the Czech legislature.