Czech news in brief for March 24: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines

Czech police have arrested three people from the Czech Republic and USA suspected of carrying out last Friday's arson attack against a factory of the LPP defense company in Pardubice. One of them was arrested in Slovakia, and the two others in Czechia, while other suspects may still be at large, officials said. The motives behind the act are still unclear, and investigators said they were following up several leads.

The government is not planning any piece of legislation on NGOs and non-profits with foreign funding, Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc (ANO) said after today's cabinet meeting amid growing concerns Czech authorities are preparing a Russian-inspired so-called "foreign agents" law. The government has nevertheless vowed to establish a public register of public subsidies received by non-profits.

The reconstruction of the National Theater's New Stage, on Národní, kicked off today. Estimated at CZK 1.8 billion, the extensive renovations are expected to last two years. Works should not alter the external appearance of the iconic cultural monument, completed in 1983, and should instead focus on modernizing the theater's stage and auditorium.

Fuel consumption in the Czech Republic increased by about 2 percent annually in 2025, the Czech Association of the Petroleum Industry and Trade (ČAPPO) announced today. Fuel use is now about 10 percent higher than in the pre-Covid year. The rapid increase of fuel prices in recent weeks, caused by the war in Iran and unrest in the Middle East, may however push consumption down this year.

Police from the National Center for Organized Crime are carrying out a massive operation against corruption and sports betting in what has been described as the largest crackdown in Czech football history. Dozens of people are reportedly involved and nearly 50 disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated. More details are bound to emerge in the coming days.