Czech news in brief for December 7: Saturday's top headlines

Cyber crooks have set up thousands of fake e-shops to trick unwary shoppers this holiday season, warns cybersecurity company Gen Digital, which operates the antivirus program Avast. In the Czech Republic alone, researchers detected over 7,500 fake sites this year. The majority impersonate well-known brands and aim to steal personal or financial information. These traps often appear via ads on social media or through malicious software.

Czechia has the lowest proportion of women in scientific roles in the EU, according to a report by the Academy of Sciences. Women held only 28.7 percent of R&D positions in 2022, despite forming 60.2 percent of master’s students. Experts blame societal disparities, starting with upbringing. Senior positions in science remain dominated by men, with women comprising just 13.5 percent of research leaders. Academics say systemic changes are needed to better leverage women’s potential in the field.

MP Helena Válková has proposed extending the deadline for unlawful sterilization compensation claims by two years, citing the complexity of the current process. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek and MP Eva Decroix support a similar extension, which MPs may debate in January. Since 2022, 2,088 applications have been filed, but many victims, particularly Roma women sterilized between 1966 and 2012, face administrative challenges. Approved victims receive CZK 300,000 in compensation.

Roads across the Czech Republic are passable with some caution required today, as traffic disruptions from Friday’s heavy snowfall have eased. Some areas, particularly eastern Bohemia, still report reduced visibility due to fog. In the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains, ski resorts report heavy traffic. In Moravia, snow remains on roads, particularly in areas of higher elevation, but the situation has significantly improved compared to Friday.

Popular Czech ski resort Špindlerův Mlýn has officially opened the 2024-25 ski season with 15 kilometers of slopes available. The resort is expecting 2000 to 3000 skiers this weekend. Snowfall on Friday left about 15 centimeters of snow, and four lifts are in operation, including those on Medvědín and Horní Mísečky. The SkiOpening event featuring MiG 21 band is sold out, with 1500 to 2000 attendees expected.

The Polish mountain rescue service has issued a first-level avalanche warning on the Polish side of the Krkonoše mountains, the lowest on the five-point scale. A similar warning may be issued for the Czech side by Saturday, with over half a meter of snow on the peaks. While generally safe for hiking, isolated dangerous spots exist. Meteorologists also warn of heavy snow in the region, with snow transitioning to rain at lower altitudes later today.

The Czech lower house again postponed the approval of an amendment to the lex Ukraine law, which would extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan proposed delaying its implementation to ensure online registration for protection can begin promptly. The amendment also includes stricter rules for Russian citizenship applicants and introduces special long-term residence options for Ukrainians staying over two years. Temporary protection currently remains valid until March 2025.

Charles University’s Faculty of Arts will hold a silent tribute on Dec. 21 at the Jan Palach Square memorial to mark one year since a tragic shooting resulted in the deaths of 14 people. The commemoration will include a benefit concert, Rok poté, which will be attended by President Petr Pavel and broadcast live. Plans are also underway to extend the temporary memorial and develop a permanent one as the university continues to recover.

Two students from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen accused of rioting could face expulsion, university rector Milan Lavicka announced. The students, aged 24 and 25, allegedly staged a mock attack on campus, shouting "Allahu Akbar" and imitating gunfire. Though initially investigated for scaremongering, police reclassified the case as rioting, punishable by up to two years in prison. A university disciplinary commission will determine if they violated university standards, potentially leading to expulsion.

Jana Semerádová, artistic director of Collegium Marianum, was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters at the Buquoy Palace in Prague’s Malá Strana. Presented by French Ambassador Stéphane Crouzat, the honor recognizes her contributions to promoting French Baroque music and cultural heritage. Semerádová, also active in early music festivals and concert series, received the title of knight. Past Czech recipients include Jiří Menzel, Magdalena Kožená, and Václav Havel.