Czech news in brief for May 21: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel has halted the prosecution of four special forces soldiers charged in connection with the 2018 death of an Afghan prisoner, his office announced Monday. Pavel cited the wartime context, absence of primary violent crime charges, and the nearly seven-year investigation. The case involved the death of Vahidullah Khan, who was questioned after killing a Czech soldier in Afghanistan. The decision, co-signed by the prime minister, ends charges including extortion and failure to provide assistance.

The Czech government approved a plan Wednesday to spend CZK 10 million in 2025 to restore neglected German graves in border regions, the Ministry for Regional Development announced. The program may receive up to CZK 20 million more in future years, with efforts to secure EU funding. Officials say delaying repairs would worsen damage and increase costs. The initiative fulfills a 1992 Czech-German treaty commitment to care for graves, many of which are in disrepair across regions like Ústí nad Labem.

Ukrainian refugees working in Czechia contributed CZK 6.9 billion in taxes and insurance in the first quarter, surpassing the CZK 3.8 billion spent on their support, Labour Minister Marian Jurečka said this afternoon. At April’s end, 158,000 refugees held jobs under temporary protection, with employment rising and benefit reliance falling. Jurečka noted this positive trend began in late 2023, as labor-related revenue from refugees began to exceed state expenditures on aid such as healthcare, education, and housing.

 A nationwide traffic census began today across Czech roads, with over 3,000 enumerators monitoring 6,600 locations through October. The data will guide infrastructure planning and policy decisions, officials said. The Roads and Highways Directorate is funding the project at CZK 54 million, with research firm Ipsos conducting the study. Traffic is recorded digitally, and early tests include artificial intelligence. Final results are expected by mid-2026 to reflect traffic trends and future road demands.

The Czech Republic will likely end mandatory truck inspections and disinfection on its Slovak border Thursday, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný said Wednesday. The controls were introduced to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease after outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia this spring. Veterinary deadlines related to the disease’s incubation expire Thursday. While border checks are expected to end, some internal measures for Czech farmers may remain. Details will be announced at a press conference Thursday.

The Czech Senate has passed an amendment simplifying certification for certain military drones, paving the way for their faster deployment. The change, now awaiting President Petr Pavel’s signature, adjusts rules to reflect operational risks rather than applying standards meant for manned aircraft. The Defense Ministry said the move aligns with NATO and EU practices and ensures safety as new technologies, including F-35 jets, are introduced. A separate bill expands military police powers, including drone use and emergency property access.

Czech President Petr Pavel warned that a US withdrawal from the Ukraine ceasefire talks would strengthen Putin’s position and hinder progress. Speaking after EU meetings, Pavel stressed the need for coordinated economic pressure on Russia. He criticized Russia’s delay tactics and urged Europe and the US to maintain unity to push Moscow toward negotiations and peace efforts in Ukraine.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala met Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation on trade, defense, and reconstruction. Fiala reaffirmed Czechia’s political, economic, and military support amid Russia’s aggression. The leaders discussed EU integration, sanctions on Russia, and joint pilot training programs. Czech exports to Ukraine rose 26 percent from 2023 to 2024, with plans to double trade in the coming years.

Police are investigating several hospitalizations in the Trebic district linked to HHC poisoning, officer Martin Hron said Monday. The case is classified as negligent endangerment. HHC, a cannabis-derived cannabinoid, has been banned in Czechia since March 2024. Hron noted it’s possible some people still possess HHC products purchased before the ban. The suspect, if identified, could face up to six months in prison.

Czech secondary schools are offering 24,159 places in a second admissions round after 14,689 students failed April’s entrance exams, the Education Ministry said. Multi-year grammar schools also have openings. Only students who took the first-round unified exam may apply by May 26. Most spots are at public schools. Results will be released June 24. Demand increased this year, with 98,130 applications, about 4,000 more than last year.

Thousands gathered at Prague’s Rudolfinum on Tuesday to pay respects to Jiří Bartoška, the celebrated Czech actor and Karlovy Vary Film Festival president, who died May 8 at 78 after battling cancer. Mourners filed through Dvořák Hall from morning until 5 p.m., with an evening memorial for colleagues and invited guests. A symbolic replica of Bartoška’s office was displayed onstage, surrounded by tributes and wreaths.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra made its Czech debut at the Prague Spring Festival on Tuesday with Mahler’s Sixth Symphony. Led by Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden, the performance at the packed Smetana Hall received a standing ovation. Though known for its complexity and emotional depth, Mahler’s nearly 80-minute “Tragic” symphony captivated the audience. Mahler, a Vysočina native, considered the work a riddle for future generations.