Final Word from Monday, August 18, 2003
Deputy Finance Minister Ladislav Zelinka told Czech Radio that the growing number of arbitration suits against the CR isn't a sign of defects in the legal system. Instead, foreign investors have been inspired by CME's success. A lawyer involved in the disputes said foreigners have simply come to realize that the investment treaties provide insurance against their own stupid business mistakes. However, lawyer George Von Mehre told MFD that foreigners aren't confident of getting a fair hearing in Czech courts. Almost as proof of this, Chief Justice Pavel Rychetský told LN that up to now, the Constitutional Court has decided individual cases in advance, behind closed doors, before either side is allowed to give its arguments. He said this "dishonorable masquerade" bothers him greatly. Not nearly as much, presumably, as those who didn't get a fair trial.