EAST EUROPE BRANCH NOTES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79B00864A001400010028-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 20, 2005
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: June 26, 1974
• Content Type: NOTES

Approved For R~I~se 2005I:F~P79B00864A400010028-6
#$5 EAST EUROPE BRANCH NOTES OCI # 0592/74
26 June 1974
Clarification on New Czechoslovakian hnternal Security Law
On July 1, 1974 new legislation concerning the organiza-
tion, jurisdiction and operation of the National Security
Corps (SNB) goes into effect. The new law authorizes the SNB
to detain persons for up to 24 hours without notifying rela-
tives, enter dwellings without permission, search and seize
weapons from "antisocial and other elements", and to use
minimum force necessary against offenders. The law also re-
quires higher educational and professional standards for SNB
members. Minister of the Interior Obzina has indicated the
new law is aimed at "undisciplined people" involved in economic
crimes against the state as well as foreign intelligence opera-
tions.
While some provisions of the new legislation previously
have not appeared in print, such as stipulations for cooperating
with security forces of other socialist states, nothing substan-
tive has changed in the mission and techniques of Prague's
internal security forces. The SNB will continue to arbitrarily
exercise its powers, subject only to party directives.
The probable motivations behind codifying existing practices
at this time are to remind potential dissidents that detente
does not extend to domestic affairs and that economic crimes will 25X1
not be tolerated. In addition the new law may represent an
effort to improve morale within the ranks of the police.
25X1
Approved For Release 200/~~~D~~P79B00864A001400010028-6