Do Czech banks close bank accounts and block client cards for opinions they express? No, that's not true: There are no reports of banks closing accounts based on the opinions of their client in using a Google News index search using terms in Czech "banky ruší účty" or English under the search term "Czech republic banks close bank accounts for opinions." Other reasons such as money laundering, insufficient balance, account not being used, and wrong or false information about the owner may lead banks to close client accounts.
The claim originated on a Czech disinformation website Mix24.cz and appeared as a video on TikTok published by @raond78 on August 1, 2023 (archived here) with a caption translated by LeadStories staff from Czech reading:
The cancellation of bank accounts for opinions has begun. The bank just kicks you out, blocks your cards, and you're in trouble. For a long time, it was talked about as a theoretical possibility. If someone has unacceptable views that do not coincide with the official and widely accepted view of the issue, they could find themselves in big trouble. He or she may be cut off from various services by large companies that have an interest in getting along with the state.
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Aug 4 07:23:27 2023 UTC)
Czech banks usually have the right to cancel your account without telling the owner the reason due to their Terms and Services. The most common reason for canceling a bank account without notice is AML (Anti-Money Laundering). Under the AML Act, banks are required to report any suspicious transaction to the Financial Analysis Bureau (FAU). For example, your account is almost not used or unused and you suddenly receive a significantly large sum of money.
The claims of account closure by Czech banks come in the aftermath of a similar claim by pro-Brexit UK politician and TV commentator, Nigel Farage, whose bank account was canceled for what he says are his political opinions. A non-public internal report by the bank Coutts, shows that bank officials expressed concern that Farage, who campaigned for Brexit, was considered "insufficiently inclusive" and, as such, unworthy of the privilege of being a client. The bank stated its decision was based on their client having insufficient funds in his account. The matter is currently under investigation in the UK.
