Unprecedented bomb threats disrupt Czech schools at start of school year
Hundreds of Czech schools faced bomb threats this week, causing evacuations and fear. Authorities are prioritizing safety while minimizing disruption.
When the school bell called Czech pupils and students back to classrooms a few days ago, there was disruption. Until Thursday noon, more than a thousand threatening emails were sent to schools, claiming that explosives had been planted on their premises.
Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan described the current wave of bomb threats affecting schools as an unprecedented attack on the most vulnerable members of society—our children.
"This attack is particularly insidious because it targets one of the most sensitive places for all of us—our schools. It impacts not just parents and teachers, but most importantly the children, and it comes at the most vulnerable time: the start of the school year."
Similar threats were also reported in neighboring Slovakia. The police are treating these threats with the utmost seriousness.
"The aim is clear: to destabilize our society, instill fear, and create anxiety. We are working closely with our Slovak counterparts, sharing information and coordinating efforts to track down those responsible."
Authorities have emphasized that their priority is the safety of students and staff, and schools have been evacuated where necessary. However, efforts are also being made to minimize disruption to the school year.
"We want to ensure that school education continues with as little disruption as possible. At the same time, our primary goal is to protect the schools, students, and teachers from any potential threat."
A special task force, comprising the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Education, and police forces, has been formed to handle the situation in real-time and provide guidance to school principals. Rakušan also emphasized the importance of clear communication with children and parents during this difficult time.
"It is essential to maintain calm and reassure children that there are people in charge of their safety. We are handling each and every threat with the utmost care to ensure their protection."
The police are investigating the origins of the emails, and while no explosives have been found, they are not taking any risks. For now, the focus remains on ensuring safety and minimizing fear among students and parents.
