Czech news in brief for June 17: Tuesday's top headlines

The new Škoda 52T tram will carry passengers for the first time on line 12 from Prague’s Hloubětín depot starting Friday, the city’s transport company said. Since April, the tram has traveled 20,000 kilometers without passengers during initial tests. The route offers varied terrain, ideal for trials. Following a successful first phase, including wear assessments, the company received approval to begin passenger testing, which will cover another 20,000 kilometers and take about twice as long.

The Presidential Office announced that the Czech crown jewels will be displayed free to the public at Vladislav Hall, Prague Castle, from Sept. 18 to 29. This year’s exhibit highlights their World War II history, including their secret hiding in the castle’s underground. President Pavel will retrieve the jewels on Sept. 15, with school visits following. The annual exhibit began last year, drawing over 46,000 visitors and celebrating Czech heritage.

President Petr Pavel met with six U.S. Congress members at Prague Castle on Monday to discuss transatlantic relations, European security, and cooperation in trade and energy, his office said. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also joined the talks. Officials emphasized strong bilateral ties and the need to counter threats from Russia and China. The group included both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, continuing diplomatic engagement following Pavel’s meetings in Washington last year.

The Czech Justice Ministry has sold 235 bitcoins donated by convicted criminal Tomáš Jiříkovský, raising over CZK 500 million now held in reserve, new Justice Minister Eva Decroix said Tuesday. The remaining transactions, tied to criminal proceedings, are incomplete. Some may be canceled or legally reviewed due to questions about the bitcoins' origin. Buyers have not returned funds but want proof the assets are clean. The case may test legal claims tied to potential money laundering.

Wardens at Jiřice Prison (Central Bohemia) uncovered a smuggling ring involving six people who brought meth and marijuana into the facility, officials said Monday. The group includes three inmates and three outside contacts. Tomáš Třeska, head of the prison’s prevention section, said known figures tied to 1990s organized crime led the effort. Inmates hid drugs in body cavities after work releases. Authorities seized dozens of grams. Police are now preparing criminal charges in the ongoing case.

The Czech initiative “Do Not Let Us Be Silent” urges protest against the government’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Founded by sociologist Andrea Pruchová Hruzová and filmmaker Kristýna Bartošová, the campaign is backed by public figures including theologian Tomáš Halík. Activists accuse the government of ignoring alleged human rights violations by Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

A Czech government plane evacuated 66 citizens from Israel, landing safely in Prague on Tuesday amid the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict. Defense Minister Jana Černochová said the evacuees were unharmed. Another 14 Czechs were flown to Bratislava by a Slovak government aircraft. Tensions remain high as both countries report casualties from ongoing missile and drone strikes.

Czech teacher salaries are expected to fall to 108 percent of the national average wage in 2025, despite a law mandating 130 percent, experts at IDEA/CERGE-EI said. Without a major education budget boost by 2026, salaries may dip to 102 percent, below 2015 levels. Economists cite inflation, Covid-19 impacts, and budget cuts as contributing factors.

The Your Voice, Your Choice initiative aims to boost youth participation in the Oct. 3–4 Chamber of Deputies elections by making politics more accessible. Backed by Bold News and partners, it will use influencers, a 30 under 30 candidate ranking, a student-led debate, and a pre-election manual. A recent survey shows that young voters care most about housing, cost of living, climate, and mental health, and they mainly get their news from Instagram.

Jan Tesař, a renowned Czech historian, dissident, and Charter 77 signatory, has died at 92. A former political prisoner under the Communist regime, Tesař later emigrated to France. His works, including The Munich Complex and Czech Gypsy Rhapsody, explored Czech history and resistance. He is remembered for his courage and scholarship.