at the time of the february coup, general píka was ill. in march 1948, he had to stay at the military hospital in prague. while he was recovering, general reicin ordered him to be arrested and interrogated. he was falsely accused of spying and of high treason. in january 26 to 28, 1948 he was tried and sentenced to death. the execution took place in the prison in plzeň on june 21, 1948.