Czech news in brief for May 19: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines

The Ministry of Finance has asked for the draft law on public service media to be revised. It pointed to some shortcomings in the wording of the reform, prepared by the Culture Ministry, and highlighted the lack of clarity on how Czech Television and Czech Radio will be funded after the overhaul. The current Czech government has promised to scrap license fees and fund the two public broadcasters directly from the state budget, prompting worries about editorial independence and media freedom.

A woman interrupted a meeting of the Brno city council today waving a Soviet flag in an apparent sign of protest against the upcoming Sudeten German congress set to be held in the city later this week. "You will be tried for collaboration, for subversion of the republic," said the woman, who herself could face charges for promotion of communism.

The Interior Ministry is seeking to tighten conditions under which Ukrainian refugees holding temporary protection can apply for humanitarian benefits. According to the proposed amendment, they will either have to be employed, be registered at the labor office or run a business, as well as stay in the Czech Republic at least 16 days in the month. The reform also plans to tighten requirements for Ukrainian refugees to be granted special long-term residence in the Czech Republic.

Eighteen people have been injured, including two seriously, after a bus and a tram collided in Prague's Záběhlice this morning. Early reports suggest the electric bus veered out of its lane before it crashed with an incoming tram, and police are now investigating the cause of the accident. "The [bus] driver's health condition cannot be ruled out" as a possible cause, police said.

Czechia's national ice hockey team defeated defending bronze medalists Sweden 4:3 in an eventful and dramatic third group-stage game at the World Championships in Fribourg, Switzerland. The victory puts Czechs back on the right track after a previous win over Denmark and defeat against Slovenia. They now prepare to face Italy tomorrow.