Czech news in brief for April 12: Sunday's top morning headlines

Czech lower house speaker Tomio Okamura has called for resuming imports of Russian oil and gas to lower energy prices, arguing for broader supply diversification. The proposal drew criticism from opposition politicians, who warned of security risks and dependence on Moscow. Experts say cheaper gas could result, but oil markets would likely remain unchanged. Czechia reduced reliance on Russian energy after the invasion of Ukraine and has since introduced price control measures.

Czech MMA fighter Jiří Procházka failed to win the UFC light heavyweight title after being knocked out in the first round by New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg in Miami. The referee stopped the fight at 3:45 after a decisive left hook. Procházka, a former champion, admitted losing focus despite a strong start. The defeat marks another setback in his title bouts, while Ulberg claimed the belt with his tenth straight UFC victory.

Deputy Education Minister Zdeněk Kettner has apologized for sharing an AI-generated fake photo linking activist Mikuláš Minář and theologian Tomáš Halík to a suspect in a recent arson attack. Kettner said he was unaware the image was fabricated and deleted it once informed. The incident prompted calls for his dismissal, though the education minister rejected that step. The controversy follows a March attack on an arms facility in Pardubice.

Czechia’s women’s tennis team has qualified for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals after a 3–2 victory over Switzerland in Biel. Marie Bouzková secured the decisive point with a straight-sets win over Viktorija Golubic. Linda Nosková earlier delivered a key upset against world No. 11 Belinda Bencic. The Czech team, led by debuting captain Barbora Strýcová, will compete in the final eight tournament in September in Shenzhen.

Czech police have detained four suspects in connection with the theft of cash from two ATMs near a shopping centre on Opatovská Street in Prague. The machines were reportedly damaged with explosives over the Easter weekend, with the suspects fleeing on electric scooters. Authorities say the group caused damage worth several million crowns. Criminal proceedings are ongoing, with investigators continuing to examine the case as part of a broader burglary probe.