# Czech military social media monitoring investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/czech-military-social-media-monitoring-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-16T04:40:52.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

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.

## Claims

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

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-army-investigated-for-monitoring-citizens-social-media-views

### 2026-10-14: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-defense-minister-orders-dismissal-of-cyber-forces-commander

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Cite as: Czech military social media monitoring investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/czech-military-social-media-monitoring-investigation