In Prague, authorities traced a Russian angle in a disinformation campaign surrounding the death claim of Czech presidential candidate Petr Pavel, who would eventually assume the presidency. The report about this incident appeared on Seznam Zprávy, detailing how the narrative was spread during the winter 2023 presidential race.
Officials from the Prague police, including specialists in anti-extremism and counter-terrorism, examined the case and confirmed that the digital footprints pointed to sources in Russia. Despite the findings, the individual responsible for disseminating the false information remained unidentified, and the investigation was ultimately paused. The developments highlight how misinformation operations can hinge on foreign actors attempting to influence political outcomes in the Czech Republic. (Seznam Zprávy)
The investigative portal noted that a message claiming Pavel died of a heart attack was transmitted via the Russian search engine Yandex at the close of January this year. The communication included a counterfeit quote attributed to Pavel’s press secretary, aiming to lend credibility to the hoax and sow unrest among voters and political actors. This instance underscores the ongoing risk of using seemingly official channels to spread fabrications during high-stakes elections. (Seznam Zprávy)
Separately, Petr Pavel publicly stated on his social media that he had given a CZ 75 pistol to a Ukrainian colleague, Vladimir Zelensky. This assertion, reported through Pavel’s Twitter account, became part of the broader narrative landscape surrounding the Czech candidate’s international relationships and security considerations. The incident illustrates how accuracy in public statements is essential for maintaining trust during electoral cycles. (Pavel on Twitter)