Czech news in brief for May 22: Friday's top afternoon headlines

Good day, time for Friday afternoon’s wrap-up before we all head into a warm and sunny weekend. And remember: whether you’re going into nature, parks, forests or gardens, it’s tick season, so take precautions to avoid an unpleasant surprise come Monday.

Tragic news out of Pardubice. Czech police announced they had charged a young man with murder after he reportedly stabbed a young girl near a secondary school in Pardubice yesterday afternoon. She was taken to hospital by emergency services but died from her wounds.

What we know. Police have not disclosed the names or ages of the attacker or victim. They were reportedly both students at the school in question. The motive appears to have been personal and followed a dispute between the two young people.

The wider context. Prosecutor General Lenka Bradáčová recently warned of the rise of under-18 youth violence and radicalization in the Czech Republic, a trend documented in other European countries as well.

In a joint statement issued today, Czech President Petr Pavel and German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the two countries had come a long way in promoting a spirit of respect, mutual understanding and partnership in their relations.

A message to Brno. The positive signal from the two heads of states comes as the congress of the Sudeten German Association kicks off in Brno today. The event is being held on Czech soil for the first time in its history, and has already sparked some small protests. 

Not a happy news day I’m afraid. An unvaccinated preschooler from the Ostrava region died of diphtheria earlier this week, regional hygiene authorities told the press today to urge parents to check their children’s vaccination status.

How to check. Vaccination against diphtheria is mandatory in the Czech Republic. Regional Hygienist Zuzana Babišová reminded parents they can check their children’s vaccines status via the EZKarta app, or by contacting their general practitioner.

The General Inspectorate of Security Forces (GIBS) made a huge bust of 10 liters of liquid ecstasy after conducting two houses searches, including at the home of one Prague police officer who now faces up to two years in prison.

What is liquid ecstasy? Also known as GHB, liquid ecstasy creates feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability, and is one of the most used so-called “date rape drugs” by sexual predators.

The topic of Czech–German relations is back in the news with the annual Sudeten German Congress currently taking place for the first time on Czech soil this year. Test your knowledge of this chapter in history.