Czech news in brief for February 10: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines

Matěj Ondřej Havel, chairman of the opposition TOP 09 party, has called on the Czech government to address alleged links between the Jeffrey Epstein case and the Czech Republic. Recent reports suggest the late sex offender may have trafficked girls from the country. Havel stated that the government must provide clarity on the matter, arguing that wealth cannot excuse such crimes. The demand follows growing international scrutiny of Epstein’s global network.

Czech Television has broadcast previously unreleased recordings of František Mrázek, the notorious "king of the underworld" murdered in 2006. The tapes, recorded by journalist Dalibor Bártek shortly before the assassination, offer new insights into organized crime's historical links to the secret services. While the murder recently reached its statute of limitations, the release has reignited public interest in the unsolved case and the 1990s criminal era.

The Czech Republic is expanding its network of specialized stroke centers to ensure patients receive treatment within the critical 60-minute window. Hořovice Hospital recently gained official "Iktové centrum" status, providing 24/7 diagnostic and neurological care for the Central Bohemia region. Health officials emphasize that rapid intervention significantly reduces long-term disability. The expansion aims to shorten transport times and improve survival rates for the 26,000 residents affected annually.

Safari Park Dvůr Králové has announced the birth of a rare Rothschild’s giraffe, a significant boost for the endangered species. The male calf is the first born at the park in 12 years, following a long breeding hiatus. The facility remains one of the world's most successful breeders of the species. The newborn is currently in a stable environment and will be visible to the public in the spring.

Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese has arrived in Prague ahead of filming his upcoming feature, What Happens at Night, according to The Prague Reporter. The project, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, is expected to begin location shooting in the city center this March. Based on Peter Cameron's novel, the production has already been registered with the Czech Audiovisual Fund. This marks Scorsese's first major feature film production within the Czech Republic.