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Summary for: Czech news in brief for May 13: Wednesday's top morning headlines
Czech military hospital fraud probe detains 11
Czech military hospital fraud probe detains 11
The National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ) detained 11 people during a raid on the Central Military Hospital (UVN) in Prague over obstruction of justice and fraud, prosecutor Richard Petrásek said. Suspects are also accused of falsifying medical reports, issuing false reports, and accepting and offering bribes. The operation involved Military Police cooperation. PM Andrej Babiš said he will discuss UVN with Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna, regretting its decline and criticizing previous cabinet’s director appointment.
Czechs prefer Babiš for NATO summit
A survey by NMS agency showed preferences for who should represent the Czech Republic at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš received 57 percent, President Petr Pavel 47 percent, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna 45 percent, and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka 30 percent. Around half of respondents supported President Pavel's participation in the summit.
Invaluable skull stolen from Czech basilica
An unknown perpetrator stole the skull of Saint Zdislava from a basilica in Jablonné v Podještědí in the Liberec region on Tuesday evening. Police said the theft occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. after the cabinet was broken and the object was taken. According to spokesperson Dagmar Sochorová, CCTV footage showed the suspect carrying the skull, and police are seeking public assistance. Police said the historical value of the relic is incalculable. Saint Zdislava, born around 1220 in Křižanov, was known for her mercy, charity, and healing work.
Police evict record number of domestic offenders
Czech police evicted 1,640 people from homes due to domestic violence in 2025, the highest since the measure was introduced in 2007, the Czech Association of Intervention Centre Staff said. Previous year saw 1,496 cases, compared with 1,430 in 2013 and 1,405 in 2012. Since 2010, below 1,000 only in 2021 (960), partly due to COVID-era restrictions affecting institutions. Police interventions last year protected 3,512 people, including 1,743 children, 1,619 women and 262 men.
Czech Radio opens Prague Spring festival
Bedřich Smetana’s My Country, performed by the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra under conductor Petr Popelka, opened the 81st Prague Spring International Music Festival at the Municipal House in Prague. An exhibition of Czech artists and designers opened, concluding with a charity auction for festival projects. A morning memorial ceremony was held at Smetana’s grave at Slavin cemetery.
