The case of Petr Kramný, who was convicted of murdering his wife and daughter while on holiday in Egypt, continues to stir controversy and questions. We provide a detailed overview of each aspect of the case, from the tragic events and investigation, through the trials to the latest attempts to retry the case. Relatives of the deceased are seeking to rehabilitate Monika Kramná's media image, while the defence is fighting to prove Kramná's innocence.
Episode-by-episode annotations
The Elevated Holiday
More than a decade has passed since Monika and Klara Kramná died in Hurghada, Egypt. Petr Kramný was convicted of their murder. Those close to him still don't understand why this happened, as the Kramns seemed like a happy family at first glance. Their aim is to correct the media image of Monika Kramná, who could not defend herself against the charges. In the period before the tragic event, friends and family reminisce about their departure for a dream holiday to Egypt. After arriving at the resort, they were enjoying their holiday, but suddenly a phone call came to Petr Kramny announcing that his wife and daughter had died. At first no one knew what had happened - perhaps they had been poisoned. Kramný readily shared details in the media and appeared cold. Czech police found inconsistencies in his version of the story. In the end, Petr Kramný was convicted and is now serving his sentence in Mírov Prison, where he still maintains his innocence.
Mourning Husband
Petr Kramný gives his version of events. He claims he loved his wife and daughter. After their deaths, he was in shock, alone in Egypt, where he knew no one and could not get along. He recalls three months of being virtually locked in one room and trying to understand what had happened. He becomes suspicious of his wife, researching her past and asking friends if she was leading a double life. His behaviour after the tragedy does not match the expectations of those around him. After three months, Kramny is released from Egypt. Upon his return to Karviná, he is followed by television crews and journalists. Kramny tries to return to normal life, but the media hound him at every turn. He decides to get paid for some of his media appearances. However, this move backfires when the media reveals that he has found mistresses. It is unacceptable to many of his friends how early he has taken up with other women. His mother sympathizes with him because he has been through hell. But the journalists see him as a man who enjoys life and thinks the police can't prove anything to him. Eventually he is arrested and charged with double murder.
The War of the Experts
A closely watched trial begins. Kramný is being defended by Jana Rejžková, a lawyer from Zlín, who claims no crime was committed. Klára Long Slámová, the attorney for Monika Kramná's survivors, joins the prosecution, convinced of Kramný's guilt. Key are the expert reports that disagree on the cause of death of Monika and Klára. Forensic expert Radek Matlach says electrocution is extremely unlikely. The decisive factor is the review report, which confirms that they died after electrocution. Circumstantial evidence leads to the conclusion that Petr Kramný is the killer, but the question remains as to why he would do it.
Behind Closed Doors
Petr Kramný says his marriage was trouble-free. However, the court is discussing the motive for the crime and relationships in the family. The Kramns seemed happy, the murder was a shock, especially the death of Klara. Witnesses say there were problems in marriage - Kramný tried to control Monika and was jealous. The defendant's psychological evaluations examine his motive. The court finds Kramný guilty and sentences him to 28 years in prison. The case has also affected the lives of people who had nothing to do with the tragedy. Forensic expert Radek Matlach has been accused of biasing the report in Kramný's favour, but he still maintains that Kramný did not lie. The Solomon Society is questioning the conduct of the trial and is looking for evidence that could help Kramný. Appeals have been rejected, but this is now his last chance - will the trial be reopened
The Secret of Peace
A decade on, we return to Hurghada, where the story is still alive. The investigation was not carried out consistently by the Egyptian police. Samples of Monica and Clara have been shredded, making further expert testimony impossible. A request for retrial is the last chance to convince the court that new evidence has been brought forward. We confront two phone calls from the fateful night with expert testimony. The defense is optimistic, but Klara Long Slam points out that they have not come up with any new evidence, which the court will uphold. Those close to the deceased will probably never know exactly what happened - only Petr Kramny knows. But Monika's story as a person of flesh and bone has been told and is still missed by her loved ones. The psychologist highlights the insensitive attitude of society and media towards victims.
Source and photo: TV Nova Ltd.
