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2 clusters · 7 sources · 2 days · First seen 13 days ago · Last updated 12 days ago

Czech military social media monitoring investigation

Overview

The Czech Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Military Police investigated two military projects, ‘Karel’ and ‘Volby 2025’, following suspicions that personnel were tasked with collecting personal data and monitoring the political views of social media users. The investigation focused on whether users were being tracked regarding their opinions on government officials and the war in Ukraine.

Brigadier General Radek Haratek, commander of the Information and Cyber Forces Command, was identified as the individual issuing tasks within these projects. Investigators found that Haratek may have bypassed standard chain-of-command protocols by issuing tasks directly to subordinate units outside of planned training exercises.

While the investigation identified potential violations of military regulations and command rules, authorities stated that no criminal offense or direct interference in democratic processes was proven. Consequently, Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna ordered Haratek’s dismissal and reassignment. Despite this directive, Chief of the General Staff Miroslav Hlaváč maintained that Haratek retains his confidence. The Army has stated it will cease the collection of information regarding social media users.

Entities

Czech army · Radek Haratek · Military Police · Jaromír Zůna · Miroslav Hlaváč

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Military Police investigated military projects named ‘Karel’ and ‘Volby 2025’.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The projects involved suspicions of collecting personal data and monitoring political views of social media users.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Brigadier General Radek Haratek, commander of information and cyber forces, issued tasks within these projects.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Military Police identified potential violations of military regulations and command rules.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Minister of Defence ordered the dismissal of Radek Haratek following disciplinary measures.
[○ 1 SOURCE] No criminal offense or interference in democratic processes was proven in the investigation.

Timeline

12 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Czech Army investigated for monitoring citizens' social media views
The Czech Military Police investigated army projects ‘Karel’ and ‘Volby 2025’ regarding the suspected monitoring of citizens' social media and political views, leading to the dismissal of General Radek Haratek.
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Czech Defense Minister orders dismissal of cyber forces commander
Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna ordered the dismissal of cyber forces commander Radek Haratek following a military police probe into unauthorized command protocols and social media monitoring projects.

Sources

army.cz · echo24.cz · epochtimes.cz · krajskelisty.cz · medium.seznam.cz · novarepublika.cz · SeznamZpravy.cz