Czech news in brief for July 19: Friday's top headlines

The Czech police have recommended that charges be brought against six individuals for unlawfully transporting migrants across multiple EU countries, including the Czech Republic. The suspects could face imprisonment for a period ranging from two to eight years, as stated by Jaroslav Ibehej, the spokesperson for the National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ). The NCOZ investigators revealed that the accused group facilitated the transportation of migrants, predominantly from Syria, using various vehicles such as cars, minibuses, and vans. The migrants' intended destination was primarily Germany and other EU member states. 

Swimming in the Šeberák pond (in southeast Prague) has been temporarily banned by Prague hygienists due to excessive amounts of chlorophyll and water bloom. The Džbán swimming pool in Prague 6 is also currently unsuitable for swimming, while the Hostivař pool is being monitored. According to the hygienists, swimming in water with high levels of cyanobacteria can cause acute poisoning and long-term liver damage. They warn that the Džbán pool poses a health risk, particularly for children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers, and those with weakened immunity.

The Czech national debt increased by CZK 96.2 billion, to CZK 3.207 trillion, in the first half of this year, according to the Ministry of Finance's quarterly report. This brings the debt ratio to 41.3 percent of the gross domestic product, up by 0.5 percentage points since the beginning of the year. The increase is attributed to the sale of government bonds and treasury bills to cover the state budget deficit, which was CZK 178.6 billion at the end of June and is projected to reach CZK 252 billion for the year.

Today, the Falun Gong Association of the Czech Republic organized a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Prague to mark 25 years since the movement was banned and its followers were persecuted in China. The event lasted for 25 hours and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing repression and violence against Falun Gong practitioners in China. Participants meditated, read their main text, and held banners promoting values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The Falun Gong Association is an organization that promotes the belief and practice of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement that originated in China.

Construction of a new concert hall designed by American architect Steven Holl will begin on Friday in Ostrava. President Petr Pavel will attend the foundation stone ceremony. The project, including the reconstruction of the House of Culture, is expected to cost around four billion crowns and be completed by 2027. The concert hall, ranked among the world’s top ten anticipated buildings by Architizer, will feature 1,300 seats and host the Ostrava Janáček Philharmonic.

Czech Olympic fashion has been shortlisted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as one of the most interesting collections for the Paris Olympics. Czechia is among the top seven countries, alongside Britain, France, Mexico, Spain, Haiti, and Mongolia. The standout piece is a unique trench coat designed by Jan Černý. The IOC shared this collection on its Instagram, which has 8.2 million followers.

Czech passenger car production reached a record high in the first half of the year, with 774,310 cars made, a 4.9 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Association of the Automotive Industry (SAP). Škoda Auto produced 473,582 vehicles, Hyundai’s output fell slightly, and Toyota saw a 28.6 percent increase. Truck and motorcycle production rose, while bus production fell. Electric cars accounted for 8 percent of the total production.

English singer and Grammy winner Sam Smith performed at the Colors of Ostrava festival, marking his first appearance in the Czech Republic. His performance featured songs from his latest album, “Gloria.” The festival also showcased British singer Bat for Lashes and Czech group Tata Bojs. Over 40,000 people attended. The festival continues until July 20, with Lenny Kravitz headlining on Friday.

Bloomberg reports that the Czech Republic has accused Germany of hoarding gas meant for Czechia, alleging that Berlin is reducing the export gas pipeline capacity as the region struggles to replace Russian supplies. Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela claims Germany’s Gascade Gastransport GmbH will cut the capacity from 69 to 14.5 gigawatt hours starting Oct. 1. This could hinder efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas.

Seven members of the Kaputin association face prosecution for painting the Ukrainian flag near Russian properties in February to highlight the extensive Russian real estate in the Czech Republic. Václav Němec, one of the prosecuted, stated the act was a political statement, not vandalism. The estimated damage is CZK 45,000. The complex issue between the Czech state and Russia over commercial leasing and potential tax evasion is in dispute.