Czech news in brief for May 29: Thursday's top headlines

 Police found the truck driver who fled a crash that injured 25 people Tuesday in Ústí nad Labem. He tested positive for drugs but negative for alcohol, authorities said. The collision with a small bus occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Hrbovická Street in the Předlice district. Three people suffered moderately serious injuries. The driver and vehicle were located at a nearby company site. Police are investigating, and the street remains closed.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Thursday that relocating the Czech embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would be reasonable and historically consistent but should not be rushed. Speaking in the Senate, he stressed the move should come when Israel is not at war and ideally after broader regional peace progress. The Senate previously urged the government to study the relocation’s feasibility and reaffirmed its stance against Hamas while supporting Palestinian self-determination.

 A Czech court on Thursday sentenced teacher Martina Bednářová to seven months’ probation for denying Russian war crimes in Ukraine during a class discussion. She also received a three-year teaching ban and must complete a media literacy course. The verdict is not final. A judge said Bednářová comments to 13- and 14-year-old students were harmful, given the global condemnation of Russia’s actions at the time. Bednářová stands by her statements.

The Czech Federation of Jewish Communities has urged organizers of the Rock for People festival to cancel the appearance of Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, citing alleged anti-Semitism and support for extremist groups. The festival, set for June 11–15 in Hradec Králové, is reviewing the request. In a letter, Jewish leaders said the band’s presence would legitimize hate and violence. Organizers emphasized artistic freedom and said each act is responsible for its own expression.

Russian imperialism poses a long-term threat to Europe and democracy, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Wednesday at a European resilience conference in Prague. Speaking at Czernin Palace, Lipavský emphasized that the danger extends beyond Ukraine, which has faced Russian aggression for over three years. He urged vigilance against China and stressed safeguarding elections and strategic communication. Lipavský called Ukraine a key partner in defending European security and urged public awareness of global threats.

Quasi-media platforms are amplifying Russian disinformation and undermining public trust in Czech institutions, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday in its annual extremism report. The outlets spread fake or exaggerated stories to destabilize society and portray Russia as a positive alternative. The report cited sabotage attempts, such as a June arson case involving Prague buses, and noted daily threats to schools as growing concerns.

The Czech Health Ministry will allocate an additional CZK 200 million to compensate victims of illegal sterilisation, mostly Roma women, officials announced Tuesday. So far, CZK 210 million has been paid to 900 verified claimants. With 600 more cases pending, lawmakers also extended the application deadline by two years. The practice, introduced in 1971 and ending in 2007, has drawn international condemnation and calls for justice.

Youth radicalization surged in 2024, often without ideological motives, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday. Online communities promoting violence are a growing concern, linked to increased school threats and violent crimes by minors. Last year, youth committed 1,080 violent offenses, including 10 murders. Officials tied the trend partly to the December 2023 Charles University shooting and launched the “Safe Childhood” program to prevent further violence.

Prague plans to begin charging electric car owners for parking in city zones starting in September, ending a years-long exemption. Under the new plan, they will pay 50% of standard rates, with Prague residents eligible for a citywide annual permit costing CZK 24,000. Officials say the change balances ecological goals with fairness, though legal concerns remain over granting locals preferential treatment.

A rare eastern golden eagle chick has hatched at Liberec Zoo, the first in three years and one of only six in European zoos this year. The parents resumed care after initial hesitation, boosting hopes for successful rearing. The zoo also welcomed a Bukhara urial lamb, one of fewer than 1,000 remaining globally. Additional births include squirrels, lizards, felsums, tadpoles, and a mountain goat kid.

The 65th Zlín International Film Festival for Children and Youth began today, featuring 297 films from 50 countries, including 19 world premieres. Running through June 4, it remains the world’s largest and oldest children’s film festival. Highlights include the premiere of Fairy Tales by Grandma, tributes to Czech filmmakers, and live performances. A planned fireworks display was canceled due to environmental concerns following a citizen petition.