Czech news in brief for June 11: Wednesday's top headlines

Mayors Bohuslav Svoboda of Prague and Kai Wegner of Berlin marked the 30th anniversary of their cities’ partnership by establishing a foundation to secure funding for Comenius Garden in Berlin’s Neukölln district. The garden, named after Czech scholar Jan Amos Komenský, honors Czech Protestant exiles who founded the Bohemian village of Rixdorf in the 18th century. The foundation ensures the garden’s preservation and celebrates the enduring ties between the Czech and German capitals.

A record 22 Czech companies will showcase aircraft, engines, and autonomous systems at the Paris Air Show next week, up from 16 last year, organizers said Thursday. The 55th edition, held every two years near Paris, features over 2,300 exhibitors from 48 countries. Czech displays include three aircraft and the new PBS TJ-200 jet engine. The event highlights growing Czech aerospace ambitions, with a two-story national exhibition joining 23 other countries’ showcases.

The Czech Senate approved an amendment allowing police easier access to criminal and offence records to aid crime prevention and terrorism fighting. The bill, awaiting the president’s signature, also sets rules for biometric ID checks at international airports, expanding existing systems. Despite privacy concerns from the Data Protection Office, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said data use will be limited to specific tasks. The amendment shortens passenger data retention from five to three years for EU flights.

The Czech Foreign Ministry has advised citizens to avoid large gatherings in Los Angeles due to ongoing protests and a nighttime curfew downtown. Demonstrations erupted following immigration raids and the deployment of the National Guard. Authorities report looting and the search for undocumented foreigners. The unrest has spread to multiple U.S. cities, prompting warnings for Czechs traveling or residing in affected areas.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala spoke by phone Wedneday with new South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to discuss deepening economic ties, particularly around the Dukovany nuclear power plant project. The call follows a contract signing last week between Czech company Elektrarna Dukovany II and South Korea’s KHNP to build two new reactors. Fiala congratulated Lee, elected last week with 49.42 percent of the vote, and emphasized that nuclear collaboration is now a key pillar of bilateral relations.

A 47-year-old man from Olomouc was charged with arson, murder, attempted murder, and animal cruelty after allegedly setting 20 forest fires in the Bruntál and Olomouc regions earlier this year, Czech police said Tuesday. He is suspected of poisoning 10 people, one fatally, and illegally possessing a rifle. Authorities say he used modified candles with delayed ignition to start the fires. Arrested in April, he now faces life imprisonment, according to Moravian-Silesian Police director Tomáš Kužel.

The Czech Senate is reviewing major legislation including the Lex Plyn energy amendment, which aims to speed permitting for gas power plants to replace coal. Senators are also debating campaign finance reforms, a cybersecurity bill, and school deferral limits. A proposal to penalize misinformation in campaigns was rejected. The energy law could cut approval times by five years but faces scrutiny over solar plant inspections.

Police, firefighters and medics held a major drill Tuesday at Prague Castle simulating a terrorist attack. One mock assailant opened fire in a crowd; another detonated a suicide bomb. About 300 extras participated. The shooter was “neutralized,” and emergency teams treated simulated victims. Motol Hospital activated its trauma plan. Multiple agencies joined the exercise, which began after the castle closed to the public at 3 p.m.

Eva Decroix (ODS), the newly appointed justice minister, pledged transparency in the bitcoin scandal clouding her department. She plans to appoint an independent coordinator and launch an external audit by June’s end. President Petr Pavel stressed restoring institutional trust. Decroix emphasized cross-party cooperation to investigate the cryptocurrency donation and said results will be public by August, ahead of the general election.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) and Deputy PM Vít Rakušan (STAN) said their parties will continue governing together. The announcement follows talks over a bitcoin donation scandal tied to Justice Ministry staff. Both parties pledged transparency in ongoing investigations. STAN’s Karel Dvořák will remain in his post, despite questions about prior knowledge of the donation. The government aims to complete its mandate.

Loko showcased a train with a built-in alcohol immobilizer at the Rail Business Days fair. The 742.7 series locomotive won’t start unless the driver passes a breath test. Developed by SafeLock and GX Corpfin, the system is a first in Czech railways and will be offered for new and retrofitted trains. Officials say it boosts safety and protects employees from unintentional violations.

The Rock for People festival kicks off today, drawing 50,000 visitors and over 1,000 artists. The lineup includes Slipknot, Linkin Park, and Guns N' Roses. Controversy surrounds Northern Irish group Kneecap, criticized for extremist views. Organizers stressed artistic freedom and said all artists are legally accountable. Czech acts include David Koller and Vypsaná fixa, with performances continuing through Sunday.