Czech news in brief for December 30: Saturday's top headlines

Austria has confiscated approximately 25,000 illegal fireworks purchased in Czech stores during border checks. Austrian police intercepted individuals attempting to bring these prohibited pyrotechnics across the border. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told press he intends to discuss this issue with Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan.

In Austria, the responsibility for overseeing firework sales lies with the police, in contrast to the Czech Republic where trade inspection manages their sale. Karner emphasized the need for stricter supervision on the Czech side, as the illegal importation of fireworks from Czech shops has led to criminal charges against hundreds of individuals in Austria.

HC Plzeň's Daniel Malák faces a three-game ban from the Czech Extraliga disciplinary committee for physically attacking a referee during a recent match against Sparta. The twenty-one-year-old defenseman shoved the referee after a face-off, leading to the severe penalty.

This incident underscores the league's commitment to player conduct and emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to violence against officials. Malák's suspension adds to recent sanctions targeting inappropriate conduct towards referees.

Czech police continue to address about 90 cases of messages related to the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, including those in support of the attack and threats to carry out a follow-up. These cases predominantly involve instances on social networks.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated in 55 cases. Most cases are being investigated in the capital, followed by the Moravian-Silesian Region, Ústí Region, Central Bohemia, and Liberec Region.

The situation on Czech rivers is gradually improving, but 15 locations still face flood warnings on Saturday morning. A third (and highest) level flood warning was in effect around 10:00 a.m. on the Vltava in Český Krumlov, but controlled water outflow from the Lipno dam is helping manage the situation. The lower Elbe in Ústí nad Labem and Děčín is on a second-level warning, while Litoměřice has dropped to the first level.

River levels began rising before Christmas due to rain and snow melting. The flood warning remains in effect for the Ústice and Děčín regions until Saturday evening, and anti-flood measures continue to be utilized in Prague.

Czech tennis players faced a tough start at the United Cup in Perth on Saturday morning, losing to China with a score of 0-3 after three matches. Jiří Lehečka lost to Zhang Ch'chen 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, and Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová was defeated by Cheng Chin-wen 1-6, 6-2, 1-6.

In the final mixed doubles, the Czech pair couldn't secure a victory against the same opponents, losing in straight sets 1-6, 2-6. The team, led by Captain David Škoch, will face Serbia and world number one Novak Djokovic next in hopes of advancing to the next stage in the competition.

Approximately one hundred demonstrators in Prague's Wenceslas Square on Saturday night called for increased sanctions against Russia and urgent arms support for Ukraine in response to yesterday's Russian attacks, which left dozens dead and over 120 injured. Organized by the Voice of Ukraine initiative, the protesters emphasized the necessity of weapons and sanctions to counter Russian aggression.

Ukrainian authorities reported casualties and extensive damage across cities, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces claiming to have destroyed 114 out of 158 drones and missiles launched by Russia. Calculations estimate the cost of Russia's massive attack on Ukraine at least 1.27 billion dollars. Moscow acknowledged hitting all designated targets in recent days without providing details.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has called for unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of recent Russian attacks. Following a large-scale air assault by Russia on Ukraine, Lipavský emphasized the need to resist Russia's "perverse imperialist invasion."

The Czech Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, stating that the war is not distant but in Europe, reaffirming the Czech Republic's support for Ukraine and commitment to holding war criminals accountable. Meanwhile, Marek Ženíšek, Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies foreign affairs committee, urged the West to promptly supply Ukraine with necessary resources.

The Czech Republic is witnessing a steady rise in its prison population, with 501 more inmates since the beginning of this year, bringing the total to 19,553. Simon Michailidis, head of the Prison Service, highlighted the challenge of overcrowding, with prisons at 97% capacity on average.

Plans to introduce new standards for increased accommodation space per prisoner have been postponed for three years. The prison service also faces staffing shortages, heightened aggression among inmates, and is exploring measures like house arrest to ease pressure. Building new prisons is under consideration, including an open prison for women.

In 2023, the Czech koruna experienced a marginal weakening against the euro, pound, and zloty, but notably strengthened against the dollar. Analysts report a 2.1 percent decline to CZK 24.70 against the euro, marking its weakest level since August. Conversely, against the dollar, it strengthened by 1.7 percent to 22.17 CZK/USD.

Analyst Vít Hradil attributes the initial strength to a successful start and the subsequent weakening to economic concerns. The koruna also weakened against the British pound by almost four percent and against the forint and zloty by almost seven and ten percent, respectively.

In a festive botanical display, rare orchids have blossomed in the Liberec Botanical Garden, becoming the centerpiece of the Christmas season. The garden, home to over 1,500 orchid species, showcases a vibrant array, including the unique Calanthe orchids from Southeast Asia.

The exhibits also feature plants with the highest international protection, challenging to cultivate yet adorned with stunning flowers. Additionally, Europe's oldest camellias, up to 250 years old, are beginning to bloom, adding to the garden's allure. The Liberec Botanical Garden, founded in 1895, invites visitors to explore its diverse collection of over 8,000 exotic plants.

Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital is discontinuing its long-standing crisis intervention helpline by the end of the year, leaving concerns about the impact on those facing mental health crises. The hospital, funded by the capital, hasn't disclosed reasons for the closure.

The move comes amid a surge in mental health problems, particularly among the youth. Recent research in the Ústí nad Labem Region indicates high levels of anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts among students. The closure may be perceived as counterproductive, considering the increasing mental health challenges exacerbated by global events.