Czech Republic bans photography of military installations
The Czech Republic is to ban photography of military facilities and installations, after the Senate on Wednesday approved the relevant law, which had previously been passed by the lower house.
The new law provides for fines of up to 100,000 Czech koruny, or crowns ($4,560). President Petr Pavel has yet to sign it into law, but this is seen as a formality.
The aim of the law is to prevent espionage that could facilitate attacks. A similar law was revoked in 1998. The new law expressly bans photography using drones.
Signs are to be erected at military facilities indicating the ban. The attention of tourists will be drawn to military facilities, such as the Defence Ministry near Prague Castle, a popular attraction.
The country's military police are to be given additional powers to enforce the ban. These include the right to enter properties where there is acute danger to life and limb. They will also be allowed to seize driver's licences and act against unauthorized wearing of uniforms.
Poland recently passed similar legislation. The two countries are significant backers of Ukraine in fighting off the Russian invasion.
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