Daily news summary
MEP Telička: Babiš should be released for prosecution
Czech MEP for ANO, Pavel Telička, would release the party leader Andrej Babiš and the deputy chair Jaroslav Faltýnek for criminal prosecution over a scandal with EU subsidies for Babiš' Stork Nest resort, the news site novinky.cz reported on Saturday.
According to Telička, immunity should only apply for speeches delivered in the lower house. The immunity committee this week recommended that the two deputies be stripped of their immunity. The final decision will be made next week at a session of the lower house. According to ANO party board there is no reason to release their leader for prosecution.
Defence ministry to sign contracts worth five billion crowns
The Czech Republic’s Defence Ministry will sign contracts worth nearly five billion crowns in the near future, Defence Minister Martin Stropnický told the Czech News Agency on Saturday. Investments planned include maintenance of Mi helicopters, and purchase of military equipment for the ground forces. "We continue to modernize the army and supplement the inventory and within the next few weeks we plan to sign deals with Czech suppliers worth five million crowns," the minister said.
Rally held in Prague in support of Falun Gong practitioners
Several dozen people gathered in the centre of Prague on Saturday to protest against the persecutions of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The demonstrators, accompanied by the Falun Gong's Tian Guo Marching Band, walked from Wenceslas Square to Kampa island. Falun Gong is an ancient Chinese spiritual practice combining meditation and qigong exercises. It was banned by the Chinese Communist Party in 1999 and its followers have been severely persecuted.
Czech tourists died in High Tatra Mountains
A Czech tourists died in the High Tatra Mountains in Slovakia on Thursday, the Slovak daily Nový čas has reported. The 49-year-old Czech slipped while descending Huncovský štít and fell about 200 meters. His body was found by the rescue service. According to the rescuer workers, the man wasn't equipped with proper hiking gear, which might have contributed to the accident.
Harley Davidson bikers ride through centre of Prague
Some 1500 people took part in the Biker's Parade through the center of Prague, which was part of the Prague Harley Days.
The two-day event, which is held under the patronage of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, also includes demo rides, an exposition of new and antique motorcycles as well as a competition for the best bike in the Prague Custom Battle.
The event, held under the patronage of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, got underway at Prague's Výstaviště exhibition grounds and attracted bikers from all around Europe.
Germany beats Czech Republic 2:1 in World Cup qualifier
In football, the Czech Republic’s dreams for qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia have been shattered after a 1:2 defeat by Germany in Prague on Friday night. The Czechs now sit seven points behind Northern Ireland, the second placed team in their qualifying group, with World Cup holders Germany on the top spot.
Germany’s opening goal through Timo Werner was cancelled out by a 78th minute equaliser from Hertha Berlin’s Vladimir Darida, but a late winner from Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels re-established the lead with only two minutes to go.
Weather
Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy with daytime highs ranging between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius.
