Czech news in brief for February 4: Sunday's top headlines

The Czech Republic is bracing for strong winds through Monday, with a risk of elevated river levels in the Krkonoše, Jizerské hory, Orlické hory, and Jeseníky mountains. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns of potential flooding in the upper Elbe and upper Jizera basins, where a second-degree flood level may be surpassed.

Meteorologists anticipate the strongest wind gusts on Monday morning, reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour in mountainous areas. Flood warnings are in effect from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning. A high-degree danger warning for very strong winds covers select regions, with lower-risk warnings elsewhere.

In the Davis Cup qualification match against Israel, Czech tennis players secured a decisive 3-0 victory with a win on Sunday. The crucial third match was won by Tomáš Macháč and Adam Pavlásek in the doubles match, where opponents Edan Leš and Daniel Cukierman had to concede due to Cukierman's injury.

Captain Jaroslav Navrátil's team, defending last year's quarter-final, dominated the series, starting with Jakub Menšík's win over Jišaj Oliel and Jiří Leheček's triumph against Cukierman. The Czechs' advancement to the Davis Cup group stage in September is now secured.

Czech police apprehended a 40-year-old man in Mělník suspected of raping a woman in Prosek, Prague, on Thursday. The assailant attacked the woman in her car while she awaited her son outside a school, leaving her handcuffed and partially undressed. Police, assisted by a Prague intervention unit, arrested the suspect, who is now in custody awaiting standard criminal proceedings.

In addition to rape, investigators are considering charges of kidnapping. The potential sentences for rape range from six months to five years in prison, with an increase to two to ten years for intercourse or comparable acts, and five to 12 years in cases of serious bodily harm.

The new electronic application system for secondary schools, operational since overcoming technical issues on Friday night, experienced a hacking attack on Saturday. Despite a DDoS attack affecting page loading for a brief period, the system's automatic protection ensured uninterrupted functionality, according to Cermat director Miroslav Krejčí.

The system allows submissions until February 20, with the Education Ministry considering a deadline extension due to its delayed implementation. As of late Saturday, over 5,000 applications were recorded. Entrance exams for various schools are scheduled for April 12-17.

Czechia secured the first point in the tennis Davis Cup qualification clash against Israel yesterday, as Jakub Menšík triumphed over Yishai Oliel. In yesterday's other singles match, Jiri Lehecka faced Daniel Cukierman. With three matches on the schedule today, the Czech team needs just one win to advance to the next round.

The victorious team will progress to the Davis Cup group stage, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 15. The final stage is slated for November in Malaga. Due to the Israel-Palestinian conflict in Gaza, this weekend's matches against Israel are subject to heightened security. Matches unfolded at the Vitality Silesia Sports Complex in Vendryně, with a full-house crowd of 1,300 fans.

František Černý, former Czech ambassador to Germany, passed away on Friday night at the age of 92. Recognized for enhancing Czech-German ties, Černý received the Grand Cross of Merit with Star and Sash from German President Johannes Rau in 2001.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and others expressed condolences in remembering Černý on social media. The Goethe Institute in Prague conveyed condolences, citing decades-long support and friendship. Born on June 8, 1931, Černý served as Czech ambassador to Germany from 1998 to 2001.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has emphasized the critical need to de-escalate the highly tense situation in the Middle East following American strikes on pro-Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq. Lipavský, speaking in Brussels, highlighted that the strikes were in response to previous attacks on American troops in the region, aiming to prevent further such assaults.

Concerns about heightened conflict in the Middle East were voiced by several foreign ministers at an informal meeting in Brussels, emphasizing the need for caution. Lipavský acknowledged the multifaceted tensions in the region and underscored the importance of taking steps to mitigate the risk of escalation.

The Czech Republic is urging the European Union to procure ammunition for Ukraine from sources outside the EU, as reported by Politico, citing diplomats. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský asserted the logical nature of such a request, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to bolster its defense against Russian aggression.

The Czech Republic aims to explore arms suppliers in countries like South Korea, Turkey, or South Africa. While the EU pledged one million artillery ammunition pieces for Ukraine by March's end, only around 330,000 have been delivered. The Czech proposal seeks to broaden the search for munitions beyond EU borders.

Opposition ANO leader Andrej Babiš voiced skepticism over the Czech Republic's F-35 fighter jet purchase, expressing doubts about their necessity and delivery timelines. In an interview with Novinky.cz, he questioned the need for fifth-generation aircraft, suggesting alternative options like extending the Gripen lease or exploring French fighters.

Babiš highlighted the manufacturer Lockheed's delayed F-35 deliveries to the US military and hinted at withdrawing from the agreement if deadlines aren't met. Despite criticism, the current government emphasizes the F-35s' role as essential for national defense and NATO obligations.

The Czech government is set to deliberate on a proposed amendment to the presidential election law on Monday, which would allow MPs and senators to endorse only one candidate in future elections. The suggested change responds to previous legal uncertainties, with differing opinions on whether legislators can submit signatures for multiple candidates in their election bids.

Under the proposed amendment, if a lawmaker submits signatures for multiple candidates, they won't be counted towards the required amount for any of them. The amendment, effective from 2026 if approved, will also permit citizens to support candidates online, ensuring authenticity and preventing duplicate signatures.

The Czech Republic witnessed a significant increase in railway crossing accidents in January compared to the previous year, with 18 collisions reported, up from 10 in 2023. While fatalities decreased from three to two, injuries rose due to a single incident involving a train and a truck which left 20 people injured.

The Railway Inspectorate recorded a general increase in railway-related emergency incidents last month, with a total of 93 compared to 78 in January 2023. The total number of injuries rose to 32 from 19 last January, while fatalities slightly decreased from 18 to 16.