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Summary for: Czech news in brief for April 18: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
U.S. woman detained in Pardubice arson attack
U.S. woman detained in Pardubice arson attack
A Czech court will decide whether to remand a U.S. woman in custody over a suspected arson attack on a defense company in Pardubice. Prosecutors allege the March fire caused hundreds of millions of crowns in damage and was linked to terrorism. The suspect was detained in Slovakia and extradited this week. Police have arrested 10 people across several countries, with five already in custody. Charges carry penalties of up to 20 years or more.
Crowds visit Prague Castle on open day
Hundreds of visitors gathered at Prague Castle on April 18 for a rare open day granting access to normally closed state rooms. Long queues formed early in the morning as people waited to enter the representative halls and other landmarks, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Garden. Up to 10,000 visitors are expected throughout the day, with free entry offered to major sites across the castle complex.
Pavel visits telescope site in Chile
Czech President Petr Pavel visited the Paranal Observatory and a major telescope construction site in Chile at the end of his South America trip. He also attended the signing of a memorandum enabling Czech participation in developing a key instrument for the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope. The project is expected to expand Czechia’s role in international space research, though it will require state funding and coordination with industry and academic partners.
Czechia's 'Pasta' voted best NHL nickname
Czech hockey player David Pastrňák has been voted the best nickname in the NHL in a players’ poll by the NHL Players’ Association. His nickname “Pasta” received the most votes among 348 respondents. Pastrňák also ranked second for fashion style. The survey included various categories, reflecting player opinions across the league. Pastrňák, who plays for the Boston Bruins, is among the most prominent Czech athletes in the NHL.
Czechia to build renewable energy zones
The Czech Ministry for Regional Development has published a list of 94 “acceleration zones” across the country to speed up permitting for wind and solar energy projects. The zones, which exclude Prague, are intended to simplify construction and help meet EU renewable energy targets. However, the proposal is still subject to public consultation and may be adjusted. The plan is linked to potential EU funding worth up to CZK 9 billion.
POLL RESULTS: The Czech Republic plans to offer a passive radar system to help secure the Strait of Hormuz as part of a multinational mission led by Britain and France. We asked readers what they think of the proposal. A majority, 73 percent, support the offer, while 20 percent say the country should avoid involvement and 7 percent believe Czechia should take an even more active role.
