News

The Czech Foreign Ministry is proposing to introduce visa requirements for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports for short-term stays in the Czech Republic, citing the Georgian authorities’ repression of civil society. The plan is laid out in a draft regulation to be discussed by the government on Wednesday. The ministry says the aim is to impose visa obligations in response to the Georgian government’s disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic principles, its violent suppression of demonstrations, and other actions targeting civil society. The proposal would apply to stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period for holders of valid Georgian diplomatic and service passports.

Czech pole vaulter Amálie Švábíková has reached the final of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after clearing 4.60 meters on her second attempt. The Olympic finalist from Paris confirmed her role as one of the country’s top medal hopes; 14 athletes will contest Wednesday’s final. Long jumper Radek Juška, however, failed to progress, finishing 16th with 7.93 meters, just five centimeters short of qualification. Hammer throwers Volodymyr Myslyvčuk and Patrik Hájek, as well as hurdler Vít Müller, also fell short. The men’s 1500m semifinal saw Olympic champion Cole Hocker disqualified.

An exhibition of the Czech coronation jewels opened on Tuesday at Prague Castle with the first two days reserved exclusively for school groups. As of Thursday, September 18, the exhibition will be open to the general public.

This year’s exhibition, titled Treasure in the Darkness, highlights the fate of the royal insignia during the Second World War when they were secretly moved and hidden. The priceless symbols of statehood, including the St. Wenceslas Crown, sceptre, orb and coronation robe, will be on public display free of charge in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle until 29 September.

The Czech Justice Ministry has begun testing telemedicine in prisons, starting this month at the women’s facility in Světlá nad Sázavou. The three-month pilot allows inmates to consult doctors remotely with the support of on-site nurses. Officials say the system will expand access to care, reduce costs, and ease staffing shortages. “Every transfer of a prisoner is both costly and demanding. Telemedicine helps us save resources and provide care more efficiently,” said Justice Minister Eva Decroix (Civic Democratic Party). If successful, the project could be introduced across other prisons in the country.