Czech news in brief for June 23: Monday's top headlines

Dozens of fake websites mimicking the Czech government’s gov.cz domain appear daily, officials from the Digital Czechia project said Monday. The fraudulent sites exploit public confusion by using similar addresses like gov-cz or govcz. Of 350 official domains, 190 have transitioned to the secure gov.cz format, with full migration expected by year’s end. The shift aims to boost cybersecurity amid rising phishing threats linked to fake government links in search results, texts, and emails, officials said.

Drought is rapidly intensifying across the Czech Republic, with over 13 percent of land now experiencing the worst soil dryness. Forecasts predict that this figure could reach 50 percent within a week due to soaring temperatures and minimal rainfall. Over 80 percent of the country will soon face severe drought levels. Experts blame the quick onset on a dry winter, early spring, and high evaporation. While agricultural impacts are limited so far, some crop yields are expected to decline.

Czech MEP Filip Turek, honorary president of the right-wing Motorists party, is under investigation by the Prague 4 District Prosecutor's Office following a criminal complaint filed by his ex-girlfriend. She alleges years of domestic violence, threats with a firearm, and one instance of rape dating back 15 to 20 years. Turek, who is running in October’s parliamentary elections, denies the claims, calling them politically motivated. Prosecutors are reviewing whether the case is statute-barred or may be extended.

Russian imperialism will remain the top threat to European security regardless of the outcome in Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Monday. Speaking at a meeting of economic and scientific diplomats in Prague, Lipavský warned of intensified cyberattacks and sabotage across Europe. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of waging an energy war and using blackmail to erode democratic values. The event is being held at the Foreign Ministry’s Czernin Palace through the end of the week.

 A public prosecutor urged the Prague High Court on Monday to order a guilty verdict for former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and MEP Jana Nagyová in the Čapí hnízdo subsidy fraud case. Prosecutor Mojmír Frček cited current Constitutional Court rulings to support the move. Defense lawyer Eduard Brůna called the proposal unconstitutional. Babiš, who denies wrongdoing, claims the charges are politically motivated.

Some Czech companies might be circumventing sanctions against Russia, Czech Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák said Sunday, responding to claims by Ukraine's president. While no firms were named, the government may seek more details from Kyiv. The trade ministry said it would investigate. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Czechia remains committed to preventing sanction breaches, though no direct evidence has yet surfaced.

Czech officials say there is no threat to public safety following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said protection of Jewish and U.S.-linked sites remains heightened. Authorities are monitoring risks and coordinating with intelligence services. The strikes mark a U.S. entry into the Israeli-Iranian conflict. Rakušan emphasized the need for diplomacy, calling Iran’s nuclear program a global threat.

Support for the Czech center-right Spolu coalition dropped to 20.4 percent amid a bitcoin-related scandal, according to a STEM poll. The ANO movement held steady at 31.2 percent, while SPD remained third at 13.3 percent. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned over a bitcoin donation from a convicted criminal. The Pirates, Mayors, and Stačilo! also remain in contention. ANO would win 78 seats in the 200-member parliament if elections were held now.

Czech fuel prices may rise sharply after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites escalated Middle East tensions, analysts warn. Gasoline could exceed CZK 40 per liter, reversing prior forecasts for a cheap summer. Analysts cite possible oil supply disruptions and longer-term geopolitical risk premiums. Iran is among the world’s top oil producers, and fears of regional instability could push prices up further in coming weeks.

Pilsen will expand alcohol-free zones in public areas starting August, adding 30 new locations to the current four. The city council approved the measure in June, focusing on areas near shopping centers. Officials say the move provides police and municipal authorities more tools to ensure public order. The original ban covered the city center; enforcement will be stepped up once the expanded ordinance takes effect.

Strong storms will hit the Czech Republic Monday, followed by a heatwave peaking Thursday with highs up to 35°C, forecasters say. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued storm warnings, with expected hail and wind up to 110 km/h. After the front passes, hot air from the south will bring sunny, tropical conditions through the week, with minor cooling later but continued high temperatures into the weekend.

Historic buses lined Old Town Square Sunday to mark 100 years since regular bus service began in Prague. Models from 1929 to the 1980s were showcased, including the oldest, a wooden-bodied Škoda 506 N. Residents reminisced about rides past as curators shared stories of restoration. Regular service began in 1925, connecting outlying districts after Greater Prague’s formation. Early lines used buses with steering on the left side.