News

Amnesty International says xenophobic attacks on Ukrainian refugees, segregation of Roma pupils and pressure on NGOs persisted in Czechia last year. In its annual report, the organisation also criticises continued military supplies to Israel and a lack of stronger climate policies. It highlights cases of anti-Ukrainian incidents and notes that disinformation about refugees was spread even by some politicians. The report also points to ongoing inequalities in education, with more than 130 segregated schools.

At the same time, Amnesty International acknowledges progress, including a new definition of rape, stronger protection for victims, a ban on corporal punishment of children and extended compensation deadlines for unlawfully sterilised women.

The Czech government and energy group ČEZ are set to sign a memorandum on cooperation in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) said after a cabinet meeting. He described the move as a step toward strengthening the country’s energy security. SMRs are being developed by Rolls-Royce SMR, partly owned by ČEZ. The company recently signed an agreement with Great British Energy – Nuclear to build the first SMRs in Europe. The deal allows work to begin immediately on three reactors, planned for the Wylfa site on Anglesey in north Wales.

Public Czech Television and Czech Radio have sharply criticized a government plan to overhaul public service media funding, warning it could undermine their independence and stability. In a joint statement, they said the proposal by Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (Motorists) would replace licence fees with state budget funding and cut CZK 1.4 billion next year.

The broadcasters argue the reform lacks a clear concept and creates legal uncertainty. They warn it weakens guarantees of independence, opens the door to political or external pressure, and strengthens media councils at the expense of editorial autonomy. They also highlight unclear definitions of public service, risks linked to funding from donations or grants, and the absence of firm rules for state contributions.

Restricting mobile phone use in schools has improved communication and relationships among pupils, according to principals in Brno. Several schools report that students interact more during breaks and are less distracted in class. However, researchers from Masaryk University caution that such bans do not automatically lead to better academic results. They argue that overall teaching quality and classroom atmosphere play a greater role. Czech schools set their own rules on phone use, with more than half already applying some restrictions. Debate over broader regulation continues among both government and opposition politicians.