Czech Constitutional Court condones refusal to accommodate Russians who support annexation of Crimea
The Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic overruled the verdict of the country's Supreme Court, ruling that the Brioni Boutique Hotel in Ostrava’s decision to refuse accommodation to Russians approving of Russia’s annexation of Crimea is not an act of discrimination.
As reported by Echo24, in April 2014, the hotel administration announced that it would not accommodate Russian tourists who would not denounce the seizure of the peninsula in writing.
The hotel owners’ demarche did not escape the notice of Czech Trade Inspection Authority which fined Brioni Boutique 50 thousand koruny, accusing them of discriminating against patrons. Later, the Supreme Court agreed with the supervisory authority, rejecting the hotel’s claim.
“The Constitutional Court understands that diverse preferences, tastes and differences make up human life. This diversity is an integral part of human nature. The alternative to diversity and the diversity of human life is unification. (...) clothes, going to the same theatrical performances, cheering on the same sports team. (...) Therefore, state regulation on such matters should be fairly exceptional,” states the Constitutional Court’s report.
The judges also noted that the hotel administration wanted to “in some way, influence those active in Russia’s political life.” The court ruled that the hotel’s actions “aligned with Czech foreign policy and international organizations’ policies.”
In addition, according to the Constitutional Court, those who disagree with the administration’s demands could choose any other hotel.