Czech news in brief for December 21: Saturday's top headlines

A charity concert titled A Year Later commemorated victims of last year’s Charles University Faculty of Arts shooting on Thursday. Held at St. Salvator Church, the event featured compositions by student Martina Videnova and composer Miroslav Toth, with proceeds supporting mental health charity SOFA. The tragedy, the deadliest of its kind in Czech history, left 14 dead and 25 injured. A memorial walk and vigil followed.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched Friday from California, carrying 36 satellites, including LASARsat, a Czech student-designed satellite. The project aims to address space debris by exploring laser-based satellite repairs. Created by secondary school students, LASARsat underscores Czechia’s innovative contributions to space technology. The mission supports research into remote malfunction repair, advancing global efforts to maintain orbital sustainability. See the public broadcast here.

A benefit concert and silent procession will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, where 14 were killed and dozens injured. Events include a remembrance at the faculty, a mass at St. Vitus Cathedral, and a televised documentary. The memorial aims to honor victims while promoting healing, with mental health experts emphasizing sensitivity during this challenging time for survivors and families.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala condemned the deadly attack at a Magdeburg Christmas market, calling it a brutal act of terror. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan confirmed no immediate threat in the Czech Republic, where Advent market security remains heightened. At least two were killed and over 60 injured in Germany. Czech officials await updates on victims and continue monitoring the situation in coordination with German authorities.

Bus and train operators are boosting capacity ahead of Christmas as travel demand surges. RegioJet and Czech Railways have added hundreds of seats daily, while FlixBus increases routes to Vienna and Bratislava. Travelers are reporting packed trains. Roads remain calm but are expected to get busier over the weekend. Authorities recommend booking tickets early and caution of increased police checks as traffic rises.

Eighty percent of Czechs believe the United States prioritizes its power and economic interests in foreign policy, a new CVVM poll reveals, up 5 percentage points since 2021. While opinions on U.S. policy overall remain steady, nearly half see it as a global threat. Conducted from September to November, the survey of 1,008 respondents highlights mixed views on America’s role in defending democracy and ensuring world stability.

The Czech Secondary School Union opposes a proposed amendment allowing double enrollment for first graders in primary schools to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. The union warns this could lead to segregation and discrimination. Approved by the lower house, the measure lets schools set a secondary enrollment period from June 1 to July 15. Advocates say it offers flexibility, but critics argue it harms integration. The Senate will now consider the amendment.