Former Membership in Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (medium) Petr Pavel joined the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1985 and remained a member until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. His father was also an intelligence officer in the Czechoslovak Army from 1973 to 1989. Pavel later publicly referred to his Communist Party membership as a 'mistake' which he 'atoned for by serving the democratic cause.'. Past Expression of Understanding for Warsaw Pact Invasion (medium) In his 1987 biography, Petr Pavel expressed understanding for the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. The Wikipedia article notes he 'is said to have taken this view at the age of six from his father, Josef Pavel, who was at the time an officer in the Czechoslovak Army and a member of military intelligence.' Pavel later apologized for this stance and condemned the invasion.. Controversial Comments on Russian Citizen Surveillance (medium) In June 2023, Petr Pavel made controversial statements during an interview for Radio Free Europe, speaking in favor of enhanced surveillance of all Russian citizens living in the West and invoking the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II. These remarks drew criticism from Russian opposition and media. Pavel subsequently clarified that he was referring to necessary security measures to prevent attacks and propaganda, not individual surveillance, and stated he did not approve of the treatment of Japanese Americans.. Presidential Pardon of Soldiers Under Criminal Investigation (low) On May 21, 2025, Petr Pavel issued a presidential pardon halting the criminal prosecution of four members of the Czech Army's 601st Special Forces Group. These soldiers were under investigation for alleged extortion and dereliction of duty in connection with the 2018 death of an Afghan soldier (Vahidullah Khan) following an insider attack. Pavel justified the pardons by citing 'extraordinary and complex wartime conditions, the non-violent nature of the alleged offences, and the protracted length of the investigation.' The decision was endorsed by the Czech government and noted as a 'rare example of presidential clemency in military matters.'. Criminalization of Public Support for Communism (low) On July 17, 2025, Petr Pavel signed a comprehensive amendment to the Czech Criminal Code that criminalizes public support for Communism, legally equating it with Nazi propaganda. While the law passed with wide parliamentary support, it was criticized by the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia as a 'politically motivated attempt to silence opposition.'. Suspension of Official Relations by China After Dalai Lama Meeting (medium) On July 27, 2025, Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama during a private visit to India to congratulate him on his 90th birthday. This action prompted the Chinese government to suspend official relations with Pavel on August 12, 2025.