Czech Police Drop Investigation Into Macinka’s SMS to President’s Advisor

The Czech Republic’s National Organized Crime Agency, known as NCOZ, has shelved its investigation into text messages sent by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka to an advisor of President Petr Pavel.

The police decision to suspend the case marks a significant development in a dispute that had previously created high-level tension between the country’s foreign ministry and the Office of the President.

Investigation into Alleged Blackmail

The investigation centered on correspondence sent by Petr Macinka to Petr Kolář, an advisor to the president. The messages had become the center of a political row after President Petr Pavel characterized the communication as an attempt at blackmail.

The NCOZ had been reviewing the messages to determine if they constituted a criminal offense. However, the agency has now decided to shelve the proceedings, meaning that the police will not be pursuing criminal charges based on the current evidence.

The decision to suspend the investigation follows a period of public disagreement regarding the nature of the messages and the constitutional framework surrounding the interactions between the foreign minister and the presidency.