Russia rejects Czech jurisdiction in unpaid rent cases

Russia is rejecting the jurisdiction of Czech courts in a dispute over unpaid rent for buildings used by the Russian government, with the Czech Foreign Ministry demanding more than €2 million for Russia's unauthorised use of the properties for commercial activities.

The conflict revolves around Russia’s refusal to pay rent for properties in Prague that the Czech government claims were used for non-diplomatic purposes.

"The content of the objections cannot be specified at this time, as the objections have not yet been finally determined," a spokesperson for the Czech Supreme Court told Aktuálně.cz, adding that it is impossible to estimate when the judge will rule on the complaint.

It is also unclear what argument Russia uses while challenging the authority of Czech courts.

The issue came to light after the Czech government revoked a series of communist-era agreements that allowed Russia to use the properties rent-free.

The properties include several buildings near the Russian embassy in Prague and recreational facilities outside the city. The Czech government claims that the properties have been used for commercial activities unrelated to diplomatic functions, violating international diplomatic norms.

As Czech news site Aktuálně.cz reported on Wednesday, the case has now reached the Czech Supreme Court, with Russia challenging the court's jurisdiction over the case. Moscow argues that Czech courts have no authority to hear the case.

Aktuálně.cz asked the Czech lawyer representing Russia in the case, Michal Pacovský and the Russian embassy in Czechia for comment, but neither responded.

(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)