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The authorities frequently fail to inform people that their phone was tapped by the police, according to Czech public television. As a result, many people have no idea their privacy was invaded. The issue was highlighted by Journalist Janek Kroupa who says he has proof his phone was tapped in 2012 but he never received notice of the fact that the wiretapping had been concluded. According to Czech law the police have a duty to inform people that they had been tapped in connection with an investigation. In 2015 the police reportedly wiretapped 202 phones. Only 90 people were later informed about the fact.

Two of the three young men whom the police charged with arson in connection with the fire that ravaged a historic wooden church in Guty, Silesia have been remanded in custody. A police investigator said the youths had set fire to the church intentionally and been planning other acts of violence. One of the three is a minor. If convicted they could face up to 15 years in prison. The church, dating back to 1563 was one of the best preserved wooden churches in the country. It was completely destroyed by the fire and the damage is estimated to be tens of millions of crowns. A public collection is underway to help finance the construction of a new church.

Thousands of motorcycle fans have descended on the Moravian metropolis of Brno for the Czech Grand Prix weekend. Practice sessions got underway on Friday morning and the 22-lap race is scheduled for Sunday at 1400 CET on a circuit situated in the hilly woods around Brno. Marc Marquez is leading the Championship on 129 points. The organizers are expecting some 200 thousand visitors.

Sunday should bring relief from the intense heatwave that has plagued the country for days, bringing overcast skies and rain and day temperatures between 19 and 23 degrees Celsius. Next week’s temperatures should range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.