News

Police in Brno are investigating whether potentially contaminated baby food products by HiPP have reached the Czech market. Authorities say the level of risk is currently considered low. The probe follows a warning from Austrian police, who reported finding jars containing a toxic substance, possibly linked to an extortion attempt. Czech officials, including the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic and the public health service, are monitoring the situation and advising caution, especially for those shopping in Austria. Consumers are urged to watch for signs of tampering, such as damaged lids or unusual smells, and to avoid consuming suspicious products.

Fears circulating online about a supposed “catastrophe” linked to US nuclear fuel in Czech power plants have been dismissed by experts and officials as disinformation. The state-owned energy company ČEZ says the claims are unfounded. According to the State Office for Nuclear Safety, new fuel suppliers including Westinghouse Electric Company and Framatome are well-established and their products are widely used worldwide. Experts acknowledge minor technical issues during early testing at the Temelín Nuclear Power Station, but say these were resolved long ago. Authorities stress that all fuel must meet strict safety standards before use.

The Czech government has refused to provide an aircraft for Senate speaker Miloš Vystrčil (Civic Democratic Party) for his planned visit to Taiwan, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO Party) said, according to the tabloid daily Blesk. Babiš justified the decision by citing differences in foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Vystrčil is expected to travel with a business delegation at the turn of May and June and may instead use a commercial flight. Speaking to Czech Television, Vystrčil confirmed the government would not provide a plane and said he would comment further next week.

A court in Pardubice has remanded an American woman in custody over a March arson attack on the LPP Holding site. The decision follows a request by the High Public Prosecutor's Office in Prague. Prosecutor Jiří Richter said the woman faces charges of a terrorist attack and participation in a terrorist group. The court cited concerns over possible flight, witness tampering and reoffending. The suspect has filed a complaint against the decision and has not testified so far. Investigators have detained ten people across several countries. The fire, which caused damage worth hundreds of millions of crowns, destroyed part of the facility, which produces military-related equipment including drone components.