Czech news in brief for March 25: Monday's top headlines

The Czech Republic is facing a rapid increase in cases of whooping cough, with over 1,100 new patients infected with the bacterial disease this week, according to State Health Institute. This is a 30 percent increase from the previous week, and the second death from the disease has been recorded – an 84-year-old woman who also had pneumonia. The exact cause of her death is unclear, as she was diagnosed with both whooping cough and a streptococcal infection.

Two Prague police officers are facing charges of manslaughter for the death of a patient in Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital. The officers were called to assist in calming an aggressive patient, but their use of excessive force, including groping, grabbing, and the use of a stun gun, resulted in the patient's death. The public prosecutor has indicted both officers, who could face up to six years in prison if convicted. Their trial date is set in late May – they will continue to be on active duty until then.

Czech President Petr Pavel this afternoon condemned the recent terrorist attack in Russia, stating that all forms of terrorism are unacceptable. He also emphasized the need for an impartial investigation and warned against politicizing the tragedy. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, took place at a concert hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow and resulted in 137 deaths and over 180 injuries. Rescue efforts are ongoing and 11 suspects have been detained.

Unionist Josef Středula has been re-elected as chairman of the Bohemian-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS) – the country’s largest trade union – with 64 out of 112 votes at a congress in Prague this afternoon. Despite some leaders criticizing it as a weak mandate, Středula remains confident in the union's future and plans to hold the next election at the regular congress in two years. Středula had quit the leadership of ČMKOS three weeks ago for non-payment of membership fees.

Belarusian opposition leader Svjatlana Cichanouská, visiting Prague, will honor exiled Belarusian presidents at Olšan Cemetery today, meet Czech officials, and attend the One World film festival’s premiere of The Accidental President, depicting her life. During her visit, she engaged with the Belarusian diaspora, inaugurated the Office of Democratic Forces of Belarus, and unveiled a plaque honoring František Skorin, the 16th-century printer of Prague’s first Old Belarusian book. Cichanouská, in Lithuanian exile, faced legal persecution in Belarus.

Over Easter weekend, a section of Prague's metro Line C between I.P. Pavlova and Nádraží Holešovice stations will halt service, according to Prague Public Transit Company spokesperson Aneta Řehková. The suspension begins Friday, March 29, at 4:30 a.m. and ends Monday, April 1, at 11:59 p.m. Regular service resumes Tuesday, April 2. This maintenance effort, part of a broader initiative to upgrade the metro, involves replacing old wooden rail ties with new concrete ones, modernizing roughly 60 percent of Line C.

In Czechia's Pálava protected landscape area, common jackals, migrating from the Balkans due to warming, have become an increasingly common site. It remains uncertain how many inhabit the region due to the animal's elusive nature. Jackals, smaller than wolves, primarily consume small animals and carrion. While sightings are rare, conservationists encourage documenting encounters for research. The Pálava protected landscape spans 83 square kilometers and hosts diverse habitats.

Due to sparse snowfall in the Czech mountains, travelers are opting for warm getaways this Easter. Local travel agencies note increased interest in trips to destinations like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. CK Alexandria reports heightened demand for all-inclusive stays. Invia sees Egypt as the top Easter destination, with last-minute bookings expected. Exotic locales like Vietnam and Cuba also attract travelers seeking value. Czechs often plan ahead for extended vacations over the Easter holidays.

Two additional American UH-1Y Venom helicopters landed at the military base in Náměšť nad Oslavou this weekend, bringing the total to ten out of the 12 purchased by the Czech Republic. These acquisitions mark progress in replacing Russian technology with American counterparts. Last year, the country received six H-1 system helicopters, including four AH-1Z Vipers and two UH-1Y Venoms, followed by two more in January. The acquisition underscores the nation's commitment to bolstering its security and defense capabilities.

Between 2014 and 2023, the Czech Republic garnered CZK 1.2 trillion from the EU, with territorial self-governments leading in subsidy uptake. Prague received the most at 16 percent, followed by South Moravia at 13 percent. Commercial entities received over 22 percent of the funds, with Prague-based companies acquiring a significant share. Joint-stock companies dominated, receiving more than half of the total commercial subsidies.