Czech news in brief for March 28: Saturday's top morning headlines

Temperatures in southern Bohemia dropped sharply on Saturday morning, with minus 14 degrees Celsius recorded in the Šumava mountains, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Several other locations in the region fell below minus 10 degrees. Meteorologists expect daytime highs between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius across the country today, with weaker frosts forecast for the coming nights.

Czech Education Minister Robert Plaga will not dismiss his deputy Zdeněk Kettner after he shared an AI-generated fake photo linking public figures to a suspected arson case in Pardubice. Plaga said Kettner should apologize in person and avoid political posts on social media. Civic group Million Moments and theologian Tomáš Halík have called for his removal and legal action. Police are investigating possible rights violations and the spread of disinformation.

Actor and writer Zdeněk Svěrák marks his 90th birthday on Saturday with a special live program staged at Prague’s Theatre of Jára Cimrman. The event, featuring guests including Daniela Kolářová, Bolek Polívka and Karel Šíp, will be broadcast to more than 100 cinemas across Czechia in a first-of-its-kind radio theatre simulcast. Part of the proceeds will support the Paraple Centre, which helps people after spinal cord injuries.

Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto won the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague on Friday evening, securing her fourth world title with a total of 238.28 points. She set a personal best in the free skate and finished nearly 10 points ahead of compatriot Mone Chiba. Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone placed third. The championships, held in the Czech capital, also saw France lead the rhythm dance segment in ice dance standings.

The Council of Europe will launch Opre Roma! month on April 1 in Strasbourg with an exhibition by Czech Roma artist Zdeněk Daniel. His work, reflecting family history and the Roma Holocaust, will be shown alongside a concert by Roma group Djiben. The month-long program coincides with International Roma Day on April 8 and aims to promote Roma culture, history, and inclusion across Europe.