Czech news in brief for June 21: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel commemorated the 84th anniversary of the Nazi destruction of Ležáky on Sunday, urging society to remain alert to the warning signs of conflict and not take peace for granted. Speaking at the memorial ceremony, he said history shows peace must be actively protected rather than assumed.

Historical context: The ceremony included wreath-laying, a reading of the victims' names and a military parachute display. Ležáky was destroyed by Nazi forces in 1942 in retaliation for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, with 33 adults executed and 13 children deported.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says new nationwide rules restricting mobile phone use in Czech schools are expected to take effect in September 2027 under a proposal he has signed together with Education Minister Robert Plaga, with the draft set to be uploaded to the legislative system this week.

Key details: The rules would apply to pupils through the end of compulsory education, covering classes and breaks. The delayed start is intended to give schools time to update internal rules, although Babiš said he would prefer the changes to begin sooner.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says the government will first focus on introducing earlier retirement options for demanding professions, followed by plans to cap the retirement age at 65, according to remarks made on CNN Prima News.

Pension plans: The retirement age cap is expected to be implemented gradually and would only take full effect in the 2030s, while earlier pensions for high-risk jobs are set to be addressed through separate legislation. The proposal is still being debated with employers and the European Commission.

Part of the ceiling collapsed inside a Reserved store at the Olympia shopping center in Teplice on Sunday morning, injuring one customer. About 15 shoppers were inside at the time, and the injured woman was taken to hospital.

Investigation ongoing: Firefighters secured the area by removing loose ceiling sections, and the store has been closed. Police are investigating the cause of the collapse and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact officers.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has downgraded its thunderstorm warning, saying storms expected across Czechia on Sunday should be less severe than those that caused widespread damage a day earlier. High temperatures, however, remain in the forecast.

Weather forecast: Thunderstorms may still bring heavy rain, hail and wind gusts up to 75 km/h, especially in western Bohemia. Heat warnings remain in effect through Monday evening, with temperatures above 31 degrees Celsius expected in many areas.