Czech news in brief for January 14: Wednesday's top afternoon headlines

Former TOP 09 MP Dominik Feri, already serving a three-year prison sentence for multiple rapes, has been charged with another sexual offence. The case involves a 17-year-old who said Feri removed a condom without her consent. The police initially shelved the case, but the Constitutional Court ruled that the act could be considered a crime. Feri’s parole request will be considered by the Teplice District Court on Jan. 15, while the new case will be heard in Prague 3.

The Chamber of Deputies continued debate on a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s new cabinet, which includes ANO, SPD, and the Motorists. Opposition MPs raised concerns over foreign policy, security, labor, social affairs, and economic policy, criticizing the program statement as insufficient. More than sixty MPs registered to speak, and debate may continue into Thursday. Opposition parties have confirmed they will not support the government, which holds a 108-seat majority in the 200-member chamber.

Korea and the Czech Republic are strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, officials said during a meeting at Seoul’s National Assembly on January 13. Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae and Czech Ambassador Ivan Jancarek highlighted shared priorities, including energy security, carbon neutrality, and climate change. They cited the Dukovany nuclear power plant project as a key area for collaboration, while also emphasizing cultural exchanges and growing parliamentary and bilateral engagement between the two countries.

Czech airline Smartwings will start a weekly charter flight from Prague to the Greek island of Skyros on June 8, operating every Monday until Sept. 28, 2026. The Airbus A220-300 will depart Prague at 5 a.m., arriving in Skyros at 8:20 a.m., with a return flight at 9:10 a.m., landing in Prague at 10:40 a.m. The route adds a new direct connection from Central Europe, expanding travel options for Czech tourists visiting the Aegean.

European wildcats, once thought extinct in parts of Europe, have been photographed in the Doupov Mountains. Wildlife photographers and scientists have captured images using camera traps, revealing the elusive species’ presence decades after it disappeared from lowlands and mountains, write BBC. Experts say the cats’ secretive habits make them hard to spot, with modern sightings beginning in 2011 and more systematic monitoring now underway in the Doupov region.