• Prague City Hall will restrict ban on begging with animals to city centre
    08/06/2024

    The Czech Interior Ministry has raised objections to plans by Prague City Hall to ban the use of animals in begging across the capital. The ministry said a blanket ban on begging with animals could contradict the case law of the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights, according to which begging is a fundamental human right. Prague City Hall spokesman Vít Hofman said the municipality would modify the proposal so that the ban would not apply across the board, but only in selected locations, mostly in the city centre.
    Author: Daniela Lazarová

  • Czechia expels representative of Russian Orthodox Church
    08/06/2024

    Nikolai Lischenyuk, a key ally of Russian Patriarch Kirill and leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Czechia, has been expelled by Czech authorities due to national security concerns. The news site Deník N reports that the intelligence services indicated his activities posed a threat to the state. Lischenyuk’s permanent residency was revoked, and he was ordered to leave the country. This move underscores the Czech Republic’s vigilance against potential security risks associated with foreign nationals. The decision reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the scrutiny of Russian influence in Europe.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Ballot numbers announced before regional elections
    08/06/2024

    Eighty parties, movements, and coalitions participating in the upcoming Czech regional elections in October receive their ballot numbers on Tuesday, determined by the State Election Commission lottery. These numbers will help distinguish their ballots and can be used in election campaigns. Additionally, 169 Senate candidates will also receive their numbers, which will be drawn locally in each of the 27 Senate districts. The regional elections will be held alongside the first round of Senate elections on September 20-21, with a potential second Senate round the following week.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czech firefighters returned from North Macedonia
    08/05/2024

    Czech firefighters concluded their mission in North Macedonia on Monday and returned home. They had been assisting with large forest fires since early August. The team included a helicopter crew, two rescue pilots, and a mission commander. Operating from Skopje, the Black Hawk helicopter made around 30 water drops daily to control the fires. High temperatures and strong winds exacerbated the fire situation in the Balkans this summer. Czech firefighters also helped combat forest fires in Bulgaria in July.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czechia has a contact center for extraterrestrials
    08/05/2024

    Czechia has established its first contact center for extraterrestrials at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. According to the news portal Novinky.cz, this initiative, primarily a humorous effort by astronomers, aims to educate the public about unusual phenomena in the sky and promote science. The center includes email and web resources for reporting sightings. Aleš Svoboda, the Czech backup astronaut for the European Space Agency, serves as the ambassador. The initiative coincides with the Planet Festival in Brno, attracting many sci-fi enthusiasts.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Wasps cause more trouble in Czechia
    08/05/2024

    In July, Czech firefighters dealt with hundreds more insect nests, including wasps and hornets, compared to last year. Despite this increase, experts say wasps are not overpopulated but are more active due to warm, dry weather. Most incidents occur near homes, with nests often found in attics, roofs, and garden sheds. Wasps play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as predators and pollinators. The Plzeň region saw the highest number of interventions, while Liberec had the fewest.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Weather
    08/05/2024

    Tuesday should be clear and sunny in Czechia, with temperatures between 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czechs pole vaulter Švábíková in Olympic finals
    08/05/2024

    Czech pole vaulter Amálie Švábíková advanced to the Olympic final in Paris, clearing 455 cm. She only needed two successful jumps. British favorites Holly Bradshaw and Molly Caudery failed to advance. Meanwhile, in other field and track disciplines none of the Czechs qualified.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Antisemitic online incidents on the rise in Czechia
    08/05/2024

    The number of antisemitic incidents in the Czech Republic increased by approximately 90% last year. The Federation of Jewish Communities is reporting 4,328 incidents compared to 2,277 the previous year. The majority occurred online, particularly on social media. Although no violent attacks were recorded, antisemitic rhetoric included false, dehumanizing, and vulgar statements, as well as conspiracy theories. The rise in antisemitism was influenced by events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it surged significantly after a terrorist attack by Hamas last October. Despite this, the Czech Republic remains a safe country for the Jewish community.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czechia tightening rules for Russian visitors
    08/05/2024

    Czechia has tightened travel rules for Russians, requiring biometric passports to enhance security and prevent espionage. The independent information website Hlidacipes.org reports that this move follows past incidents involving Russian spies using fake documents. In contrast, Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has eased entry for Russians and Belarusians, allowing them to obtain Schengen visas more easily. This divergence in policies highlights differing approaches within the EU regarding Russian nationals amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

Pages