Czech news in brief for February 11: Tuesday's top headlines

English actor Warwick Davis, known for Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, will attend Prague's sixth annual Comic-Con from April 11-13 at O2 Universum. He joins Lorenzo Lamas, Terminator 3 star Kristanna Loken, and Stargate Atlantis actors Rainbow Sun Francks and Rachel Luttrell. The event celebrates sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and gaming. Organizers expect a strong fan turnout of over 2,000 visitors.

The Prague Metropolitan Court will decide on Russia’s request to extradite exiled journalist Farida Kurbangaleyeva, Czech authorities confirmed this week. Kurbangaleyeva, accused in Russia of endorsing terrorism and spreading false information, denies the charges. A former Russian state TV presenter, she left after the 2014 Crimea annexation and opposes the Ukraine war. Czech prosecutors are reviewing the request before a court hearing.

A January poll by the STEM research agency shows most Czech citizens believe Ukraine should cede some territory to Russia to end the war. Forty-nine percent think the Czech Republic is providing too much military aid. Thirty-seven percent favor Ukraine ceding eastern land for peace, while 29 percent support full territorial recovery. The survey reflects a desire for swift resolution, despite the ongoing conflict and the presence of over 395,000 Ukrainian refugees in Czechia.

Mall.cz, a leading Czech e-commerce platform, will transition to Allegro by March 31, 2025, becoming one of its sellers. Allegro, which acquired Mall and CZC.cz in 2021-2022, is consolidating operations to streamline costs and software. Customers will shop Mall products exclusively on Allegro’s platform, with returns and complaints handled through Allegro's systems. Gift vouchers from Mall will be exchangeable for Allegro vouchers by March's end.

Turnov in the Liberec region ranks highest for living conditions in the Czech Republic, while Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, and Moravia-Silesia regions rank lowest, according to a new prosperity index. Turnov excelled in leisure and public transport but lagged in healthcare access. Prague placed 23rd due to crime and school accessibility. The data highlights regional disparities, with struggling areas facing low education levels, unemployment, and population decline.

Artificial intelligence can revolutionize healthcare, energy, and education if used responsibly, Czech President Petr Pavel said at the AI Summit in Paris. He warned of risks, including AI-driven surveillance by authoritarian regimes and cyber threats. Pavel praised the EU’s AI regulations and called for ethical safeguards. He urged collaboration among governments, tech leaders, and researchers to ensure AI remains transparent, secure, and accessible to all.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of political interference in Slovakia, claiming the agency’s funds distort the political system and favor certain parties. In an open letter to Elon Musk, Fico sought information on USAID’s grants to NGOs and media. Fico's opposition criticized his focus on USAID rather than addressing Slovakia's economic concerns amid U.S. trade policies. USAID is currently undergoing significant restructuring under the Trump administration.

Starting Feb. 11, Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic can apply to extend their temporary protection for another year through an online registration system, which closes March 15. The Ministry of the Interior has warned of potential overloads on the system, with over 396,000 refugees currently in the country. The new law, signed by President Pavel on February 6, also introduces penalties for unauthorized foreign activity linked to sensitive data collection.

While cybercrime fell by 5 percent last year to 18,495 cases, misuse of digital footprints is rising, police warn ahead of Safer Internet Day on Feb. 11. A new campaign urges parents to avoid posting children’s photos online, citing risks like fraud and AI-driven misuse. Officials stress that controlling digital footprints is key to protecting privacy and security, as cyberattacks grow more sophisticated with AI and deepfake technology.

Pilsen’s city leadership is considering expanding a ban on public alcohol consumption to additional areas, including Bory, Skvrňany, and Doudlevce. The existing ban, in place for nearly three years, currently covers the central city and certain public spaces. Last year, Pilsen police handled over 2,100 violations, issuing fines for public drinking. The proposal for broader restrictions will require approval from city councilors.

Czech lawmakers are pushing to raise the age limit for energy drink sales from 15 to 16, aiming to protect students from health risks. The proposed ban would apply to schools, public events, and vending machines. A recent study shows a rise in energy drink consumption among children, affecting their health, sleep, and concentration. The regulation, supported by all political parties, could take effect in January 2026. Violators may face fines up to one million crowns.

Courses helping Ukrainian women improve working conditions will continue after donors contributed CZK 150,000, Vesna association director Barbora Antonová told CTK. The five-month, CZK 800,000 program, initially funded by a U.S. State Department-administered fund, faced uncertainty after a U.S. foreign aid review. The courses, attended by 175 people, cover language, IT, and communication skills, aiming to prevent underemployment and provide psychological support.