Minister confirmed that the prison is a monument, but he changed the conditions

Brno - The Káznice on Cejl is a cultural monument, but according to a different provision of the law than originally decided by the Ministry of Culture. In practice, this means that the city will have more flexibility in repairing and adapting the monument for the needs of a creative center. Culture Minister Daniel Herman (KDU-ČSL) granted Brno's appeal and partially changed the original decision to declare the building a monument.

According to the minister, it is essential to protect particularly the evidence of Nazi and communist tyranny and everything that reminds of imprisoned personalities. CTK has the decision available. The spokesperson for Brno and the Ministry of Culture have not yet officially informed about the wording of the decision.

The ministry initially declared the Káznice a monument according to a provision that applies to both movable and immovable testimonies of historical development and extraordinary manifestations of human creativity and work. After the appeal, the Káznice is a monument due to its connection to significant personalities and historical events.

"The main bearers of the monument's values are primarily the so-called death cells, the correction facility, amateur figurative painting of the former chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the spirit of socialist realism, including the remains of a political slogan on the choir," states the decision, which further mentions, for example, the attic execution site with hooks on the beam and the recently localized execution site in the yard.

According to the decision, it is also sufficient to preserve the original trusses at least along Soudní Street. "In other wings, the replacement of trusses may be allowed to make the space more usable for the operation and economy of the future center," states the decision. Preservationists, according to Herman, should not impose "unnecessary and disproportionate obstacles" during the reconstruction of the complex.

Brno spokesperson Filip Poňuchálek stated in a press release that the city has already received the decision, will respect it, will familiarize itself with it thoroughly, and will only then comment. In response to CTK's inquiry, he stated that he does not know its content.

The city wants to build a creative center in the former Káznice. The project has its opponents, calling for a more respectful use of the building and pointing to its memorial and historical value. The city did not dispute the decision that the former Káznice is a monument through the appeal; it submitted it to define the scope of monument protection.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, Simona Cigánková, stated that she has not yet received confirmation of the delivery of the appeal decision, and thus cannot provide any information for now.

The large complex from the late 18th century served as a prison until the 1950s. Political prisoners suffered there during totalitarian regimes, and executions took place during the occupation and in the early 1950s. Since 2006, the building has been closed to the public. This year, securing work began, aimed at preventing further deterioration.

According to today's press release, the city leadership recognizes the historical and social significance of the site and will seek, together with the professional public, the most suitable way to utilize the building. All further steps will be taken with maximum emphasis on preserving the dignity and significance of this site, added Poňuchálek.