The Wall Street Journal reports that a Czech politician could be facing a police investigation after publicly expressing condolences over the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The leader of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, Vojtech Filip, said in a condolence letter to North Korea that he and his party very much respected the late North Korean leader and firmly believe the Workers’ Party of North Korea will overcome its present grief and continue on its path to the victory of the courageous struggle by North Korean people.

Czech Justice Minister Jiri Pospisil suggested late Tuesday that Filip’s condolence letter could be in breach of the country’s criminal code, which prohibits public displays of support and sympathies to governments and political regimes that suppress human rights and basic freedoms.

The minister added that the Czech police could investigate the condolence letter for any alleged violation.

However, the communist leader denied any wrongdoing and criticized the Czech government for failing to send an official condolence letter to Pyongyang in breach of its diplomatic protocol. He noted that the Czech Republic maintains regular diplomatic relations with North Korea.