Martin Kupka, leader of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), moved to quell unrest on Wednesday regarding proposed adjustments to the child offender certificate system. The controversy stemmed from a previous initiative by Minister of Justice Eva Decroix and head of parliamentary deputies Marek Benda (both ODS) to ease regulations preventing perpetrators of certain violent or sexual crimes from working with children. Kupka stated that the ODS will not support any leniency for these criminals. This announcement follows significant public outcry last week when the initial proposal was made public. The “child offender certificate” concerns the barring of individuals convicted of specific offenses from employment involving children in the Czech Republic. Kupka’s statement aims to reassure the public and distance the party from perceptions of weakening protections for children.