Czech news in brief for December 5: Thursday's top headlines

Heavy snowfall is expected in the Czech-Moravian Highlands and northeastern regions of the country on Friday, with up to 25 centimeters of snow in mountain areas, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecast. Experts warn of transport disruptions, potential power outages, and damage to trees and power lines. Icy conditions are also expected in the south and west. Drivers are urged to use winter gear, including snow chains, and carry supplies when traveling in affected areas.

Former policeman Tomáš Strnad confessed today to attacking several women outside a Prague nightclub in February this year. Strnad, along with his colleague Martina Kolaříková, admitted their roles in the assault, though Strnad disputes the charge of grievous bodily harm. The prosecutor has recommended suspended sentences of three years for Strnad and one year for Kolaříková. Strnad apologized in court, citing emotional and alcohol-fueled actions during the incident. He faces a fine of CZK 50,000.

 A Czech fundraising campaign has raised over CZK 203 million to send drones to Ukraine, organizers of the Nemesis Drones initiative announced Tuesday. Launched last December, the effort has shipped 12,000 drones, with 3,000 more en route. The group also aims to fund 100 tons of explosives for Ukrainian forces. Organizer Jan Veverka praised Czech solidarity, noting the campaign surpassed its initial CZK 100 million goal.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s speech at the OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta Thursday prompted walkouts by ministers from the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Estonia, and Latvia, with Lithuania’s delegation exiting earlier. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský preemptively dismissed Lavrov’s remarks as “Russian fairy tales.” Lavrov criticized NATO, the EU, and OSCE. This marks his first EU visit since 2021 amid a deep OSCE crisis triggered by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and ongoing budget gridlock.

Pražská plynárenská, one of the largest domestic energy suppliers in the Czech Republic, will reduce gas supplies by 5.5 percent, starting Jan. 1. The move is expected to save households hundreds of crowns per year. This is the fifth consecutive price cut by the company, aiming to offset the 8.6-percent increase in the regulated component of the gas price announced by the Energy Regulatory Office for 2023. The company supplies approximately 425,000 consumption points with gas and electricity.

The Regional Court in Ostrava upheld an eight-month suspended sentence for pro-Russian activist Nela Lisková for posting hateful content on social media, including calls for de-Ukrainisation and denazification in Czechia. The court also ordered her to deactivate and delete her X network profile. Lisková, who denies guilt, plans to appeal, claiming political motives behind the verdict. The ruling is final unless a higher court reviews it.

A survey by the Czech Committee for humanitarian agency UNICEF found that 51 percent of children, aged 9 to 17, report frequent family arguments, with 9 percent noting that these disputes lead to physical violence. The research, conducted in June, also revealed that children desire more understanding from parents and a greater role in family decisions. Violence is more prevalent in lower-income families with more children. UNICEF calls for increased protection for children.

Oil shipments to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies 58 percent of the country’s oil, have stopped, Industry Minister Lukáš Vlček confirmed. The reason for the disruption remains unclear. Vlček assured the public that refineries are prepared and state reserves will prevent shortages for households and businesses. The government is monitoring the situation closely to ensure energy stability.

The Czech Senate approved a pension reform Tuesday, raising the retirement age to 67 and tightening early pension access for workers in risky jobs. Backed by 48 of 66 senators, the reform aims to curb a growing pension system deficit projected to reach 5 percent of GDP by mid-century. The bill now awaits President Petr Pavel’s signature, which he has pledged to provide.

 The Czech government approved plans to establish Křivoklátsko National Park, which could become the country’s third-largest national park by 2026. Covering 105 square kilometers of state-owned forests and meadows, the park aims to enhance nature conservation. Despite support from environmental experts, the plan faces opposition from local municipalities over land use concerns. The proposal has now been moved to parliament for further discussion.

A new shelter for domestic violence victims, offering seven flats for individuals and families, opened today in Prague. Operated by the Social Services Centre, the facility allows residents to stay for up to two years, depending on their needs. The city invested 91.5 million crowns in the project, ensuring safety with metal gates and cameras. Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udzenija announced plans for more social service facilities.

The Czech Republic will see varied weather this weekend, including heavy snow and ice on Friday, particularly in the northeast, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Snowfall could reach 10 cm in the lowlands and 20 cm in the mountains. Saturday will bring rain and highs of 10°C, while Sunday will cool to 1–5°C with widespread snow showers, continuing into next week.