Czech Parliament Pushes New Crime Law Targeting Drink Spiking with Up to Ten Years Prison

In its first reading, the Czech Chamber of Deputies endorsed a bill that would create a distinct offence for covertly adding drugs to drinks, food or injections. The legislation proposes a baseline prison term of up to one year, increasing to three years when the spiking is intended to aid another crime, and extending to eight or ten years for cases resulting in serious injury or death. Lawmakers argue the change addresses difficulties in prosecuting spiking incidents, where substances like GHB, ketamine or Rohypnol leave the body quickly.

Pirate MP Kateřina Demetrashvili and STAN representative Julie Smejkalová highlighted the need for state-protected bodily autonomy. Former Justice Minister Jiří Pospíšil noted longstanding legal shortcomings, while coalition figures Andrej Babiš, Taťána Malá and Speaker Tomio Okamura expressed support. A survey by Beat Sexism indicated that one-third of young respondents had experienced spiking, mostly in bars and nightclubs, though official statistics are lacking.