From Corruption to Probation: A Close Look at Petr Kott’s Release

From Corruption to Probation: A Close Look at Petr Kott’s Release

Probation Release of Petr Kott: A Decision Upheld

The Brno City Court has upheld the decision to release Petr Kott from prison on probation, with a probationary period set for seven years. This decision comes after Kott served half of his eight-year sentence for his involvement in corruption scandals. The prosecutor also proposed the probationary release, and the decision is now final. Kott is expected to leave prison on Tuesday.

The Trio Behind the Central Bohemian Corruption Case

Petr Kott, alongside his wife, Kateřina Kottová, and the former Central Bohemian governor David Rath, were punished for corruption cases related to manipulated orders in the Central Bohemian region. Earlier this year, in May, Rath was released from prison on probation. The judge, Libor Hanuš, commended Kott for his performance and medical practice inside the prison, acknowledging his conscientious and active approach during his sentence.

Probationary Release: Kott’s Request and Court’s Considerations

Kott, who served his sentence in the Brno Bohunice prison, requested probationary release at the end of August and the beginning of September. He expressed remorse for his actions, assuring that he had learned his lesson, and acknowledged that breaking the law does not pay off. The decision on probationary release considered the convict’s behavior in prison, whether the convict voluntarily started serving the sentence on time, and other matters.

Details of the Corruption Cases

The trio was involved in two branches of corruption cases. The Kotts were initially sentenced to six years in prison for influencing tenders for the reconstruction of Buštehrad castle near Kladno and a gymnasium building in Hostivice near Prague. They asked for bribes of 26 million, received almost 17 million crowns, and gave Rath seven million.

In the second branch of the case, the court extended their sentences to eight years in prison. They allegedly arranged bribes for the manipulation of tenders worth hundreds of millions of crowns for the purchase of ambulances for the Central Bohemian rescue service, the reconstruction of the Kolín hospital pavilion, the construction of pavilions in the Mladá Boleslav hospital, and the reconstruction of part of the Kladno hospital. They also received substantial financial penalties.

Implications for the Largest Czech Construction Company

The second part of the case also had implications for Metrostav, the largest Czech construction company. The court imposed a three-year ban on the company and its subsidiary, Metrostav Infrastructure, from fulfilling public contracts. Rath, Kott, and the construction company have appealed against the verdict, and the Supreme Court will review the decision.

Other Charges and Sentences

Six more individuals faced charges, including the former general director of Metrostav, Pavel Pilát. The appellate court found them all guilty, albeit with some of the imposed financial penalties or bans on activities reduced. Lucie Novanská and Pavel Drážďanský were sentenced to prison, while the remaining defendants were sentenced to probationary terms.