News

Doctors at Ostrava University Hospital have become the first in Czechia to use laser thermal ablation to treat brain tumours. The minimally invasive procedure is intended for a small group of patients whose tumours cannot be removed through conventional surgery because of their location or the patient's condition. During the operation, surgeons insert a laser fibre into the tumour before destroying cancer cells with heat under MRI guidance. Hospital officials stressed that the technique is not a replacement for standard brain surgery but expands the range of treatment options available to patients. Two women have successfully undergone the procedure.

Most people in Czechia believe freedom of speech should not be unlimited, according to a new survey by Czech Radio, the Czech Academy of Sciences' Centre for Public Opinion Research and MEDIAN. Nearly 70 percent of respondents said people can express their views freely in the country, while a majority also supported restricting speech in the interests of national security, democracy or to prevent incitement to hatred. More than 60 percent agreed that social media platforms should be allowed to remove content they consider hateful. The survey also found sharp political differences, with supporters of Freeddom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and Motorists being the least likely to support restrictions on free speech.

The Czech National Security Council is due to discuss a new long-term strategy for the armed forces on Wednesday, with President Petr Pavel taking part in the defence and security section of the meeting. The updated military concept is expected to set the direction of the Czech Army through 2040. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has said the government wants to return to an earlier defence concept focused on meeting NATO commitments, particularly through the development of heavy and medium brigades. The council may also discuss tightening entry rules for Russian diplomats travelling to Czechia from other Schengen countries.

The heads of Czech Radio and Czech Television have criticised the government's plan to replace licence fees with direct funding from the state budget, warning it could undermine the independence of public service media. Czech Radio Director General René Zavoral said the proposal would cut the broadcaster's annual budget by around CZK 411 million and force reductions in programming, regional broadcasting and jobs. He said the debate was not really about saving money, but about taking funds away from public service media, weakening them and destabilising them. He also questioned whether the plan complies with the European Media Freedom Act.