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Summary for: Czech news in brief for May 16: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
Court releases suspect in relic theft case
Court releases suspect in relic theft case
A court in Česká Lípa has released the 35-year-old man accused of stealing the skull of Saint Zdislava from a basilica in Jablonné v Podještědí. Prosecutors sought custody over concerns he could reoffend or flee, but the court rejected the request. Police say the suspect encased the relic in concrete and planned to sink it in water. Restoration experts are now attempting to recover the damaged relic.
Minister pushes public media overhaul
Culture Minister Oto Klempíř said the government plans to move quickly on legislation changing how Czech public media are funded. The proposal would replace TV and radio license fees with fixed state budget financing, reducing funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio next year. Opposition politicians, media experts, and public broadcasters have criticized the plan, while employees at both institutions remain on strike alert over concerns about independence and long-term stability.
Government to tighten environmental penalties
The Czech government is set to review a draft law that would significantly increase penalties for environmental crimes, including introducing prison sentences of up to 10 years for the most serious cases. The proposal defines new offences such as “serious environmental damage” and expands liability for ecological disasters and illegal waste or water use. The changes implement an EU directive that Czechia must adopt by May 21.
Prague police fine drivers in major raid
Police in Prague carried out a large-scale overnight traffic operation on the 5. května street section of the city ring road, checking more than 1,000 vehicles. Officers detected seven drivers under the influence of alcohol, six under drugs, and two driving despite bans. Around 100 traffic offenses were fined on the spot, totalling CZK 120,000. The broader operation also included inspections of markets, public spaces, and properties across the city.
Spanish Tiger helicopter debuts in Czechia
Visitors at the open day event at the Náměšť nad Oslavou air base saw the Spanish Army’s Tiger helicopter in Czechia for the first time. The military showcase also featured Czech Gripen fighter jets, Venom and Viper helicopters, tanks, and drones despite rainy weather. The Czech Army said training on new US-made helicopters is now fully handled by Czech instructors, with eight more aircraft expected within two years.
POLL RESULTS: The Czech government has ended its annual euro readiness reports, signaling that euro adoption is no longer an active policy goal. We asked readers what they think of the decision. Almost half, 48 percent, disagree and say the government should continue preparing for euro adoption, while 37 percent support moving away from the plans altogether. Fifteen percent remain unsure, saying the euro should stay on the table.
