• 09/07/2024

    Last year, Czech police successfully located and extradited 748 wanted individuals to EU countries, while 490 people were extradited to Czechia from other EU nations. Additionally, 19 individuals were handed over to non-EU countries, and Czech authorities received 36 fugitives from non-EU regions. This was part of the international cooperation efforts detailed by the Directorate for International Police Cooperation. Police also recovered 333 stolen vehicles in the country and helped secure events like the Football Championship in Germany and the Paris Olympics.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    Firefighters have been battling a fire at the roof of the swimming stadium in Český Krumlov since this morning. The fire, affecting nearly the entire roof, is proving difficult to control as it is located in the roof's substructure. Three professional units and 13 volunteer groups are on site, and firefighters have disconnected photovoltaic panels from the roof. Fortunately, no one was inside the building. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The swimming pool is the most visited facility in the city, attracting 75,000 visitors annually.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    In 2023, the average duration of retirement in Czechia reached 24.62 years, an increase of 25 days compared to the previous year. The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) writes that this marks a significant rise from 1989, when the average time in retirement was nearly 10 years shorter. The length of time spent in retirement has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Men saw a slight increase in pension duration last year, while women experienced a slight decline. Delayed retirement age adjustments help slow the growing duration of retirement, with the retirement age expected to reach 65 by the next decade.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    The Czech government is moving forward with legislation that will require gun shops to report suspicious firearm and ammunition purchases to the police. The new law, supported by the parliamentary security committee, is set to be implemented by the end of the year, following delays from opposition ANO and SPD parties. This measure comes in response to a deadly shooting at Charles University in December. It will allow police to seize weapons from individuals deemed a security risk and monitor unusual purchases through the Central Firearms Register. Full legislative approval is expected by January 1, 2025.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    The grape harvest is in full swing in Czechia, but this year's season has been challenging due to April frosts, mildew, and ongoing drought. The worst-hit regions are in Bohemia, where up to 90% of grapes were lost in some areas. In a rare exception, winemakers in the region can use grapes from Moravia to produce their wine. Moravian vineyards escaped frost but are now struggling with drought, leading to lower yields. Despite the difficult conditions, the quality of the harvested grapes remains promising, with good sugar content and acidity.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents) praised Vladimír Posolda, head of the Czech intelligence agency (ÚZSI), for stabilizing the agency during a challenging period. Rakušan emphasized Posolda’s deep experience and professionalism. In an interview for the Czech Press Agency, he also defended former director Petr Mlejnek, who resigned after media criticism over ties to a key figure in the Dozimetr corruption case. Rakušan acknowledged that Mlejnek did not commit any wrongdoing and criticized the intense media campaign that led to his resignation.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    The public can pay their respects to actor Karel Heřmánek at Theater Bez zábradlí in Prague on Saturday. Visitors can reflect on his life and career, with a memorial space at the entrance for flowers and messages. Heřmánek, known for his roles in film, theater, and TV, tragically passed away on August 24 at the age of 76. The theater will honor his legacy by showcasing his notable works, including his roles as Fešák Hubert and Lucifer. A more informal tribute will take place in the theater’s café.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/07/2024

    The Harvest Festival kicks off on Saturday on Letná Plain in Prague, featuring a variety of folk performances, craft demonstrations, and regional food tastings. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (Christian Democrats) will present awards to winners of the 15th Regional Food Competition for the Central Bohemian Region. The event, which is free, also includes farm animal displays and agricultural machinery exhibitions. Additionally, attendees can visit the National Agricultural Museum for free and the National Technical Museum at a reduced rate. This marks the sixth time the festival is being held on Letná.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/06/2024

    Prague's Václav Havel Airport will launch a regular direct flight to Abu Dhabi, the airport announced on the X network on Friday. Passengers will be able to fly to the capital of the United Arab Emirates our times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    The flight will be operated by Etihad Airways using Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with a capacity of 270 seats. Prague will get a direct regular route to Abu Dhabi after a break of almost 11 years. According to airport spokeswoman Denisa Hejtmánková, the last flight on this route, took place on 17 January 2014.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková
  • 09/06/2024

    Czech counterintelligence service BIS and Military Intelligence, acting under the direction of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), were involved in uncovering the activities of a cyber actor linked to the Russian military intelligence service GRU. The news was announced by the Military Intelligence Service in a press release on Friday.

    The cyber threats were linked to GRU unit 29155, which Czech investigators have connected to the 2014 explosion of an ammunition complex in Vrbětice in south Moravia.

    According to military intelligence officials, the cyber actor associated with the unit is responsible for conducting malicious cyber activities since at least 2020. In January 2022, the unit attacked Ukraine with the destructive WhisperGate malware.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková

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