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

The Constitutional Court on Monday ordered police to reopen an Orthodox cleric’s claim of coercion by Prague church leaders. The cleric alleges he was threatened and pressured in a closed 2022 meeting to accept a transfer. A witness reported shouting and calling emergency services. The court stressed the need for a thorough probe, citing potential inhuman treatment and serious rights violations. In his complaint, the cleric also criticized the length of the investigation into his allegations so far.

 Czechia ranked 10th in the EU for societal trust and solidarity, down from ninth last year, according to the March Prosperity and Financial Health Index. The drop stems from declining trust in government and the judiciary, and fewer donations. Despite this, volunteering rose, and 64 percent helped strangers recently. Confidence in the independence of the judiciary fell to 54 percent from 65 percent. Nordic countries and Ireland lead the index, while Croatia, Greece, and Bulgaria remain lowest.

The Civic Democrats (ODS), TOP 09, and Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) signed a coalition agreement for the upcoming Czech parliamentary elections. The coalition, named Together, outlined seven key program pillars and launched its contact campaign, set to conclude in April. ODS leader Petr Fiala emphasized ongoing partnerships with the Mayors and Independents (STAN) and openness to talks with Pirates. Fiala ruled out post-election cooperation with the opposition ANO movement.

An explosion at the STV Group ammunition plant in Polička injured one person seriously Monday morning. The blast occurred in an ammunition warehouse, likely due to a production defect, officials said. Emergency crews evacuated the site and airlifted the injured worker to Olomouc University Hospital. Authorities declared a third-level fire alarm but confirmed no public danger. The incident is under investigation by fire officials.

Cleanup costs from the Feb. 28 derailment of a benzene-laden freight train are expected to far exceed the initial CZK 100 million estimate, officials said Monday. Contaminated soil removal began this week as part of emergency remediation. Fourteen tankers derailed and some caught fire, leaking toxic chemicals into groundwater. Barriers are being built to prevent further spread. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) urged a federal court Monday to release USD 7.5 million (CZK 173 million) in blocked funding after the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) initially withheld it. Just before the hearing, USAGM pledged to release the funds, covering two weeks of operations. RFE/RL is also seeking USD 77 million (CZK 1.77 billion) more, arguing Congress has sole budget authority. The Prague-based broadcaster serves nearly 50 million viewers across 23 countries, including Russia and Ukraine. 

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Ukraine is set to receive as much 155 mm artillery ammunition in 2024 as last year, thanks to Czechia’s initiative. In an interview with the Financial Times, Fiala criticized opposition leader Andrej Babiš for opposing military aid and defense spending, accusing him of aiding Russia. Babiš, a frontrunner in the upcoming election, has suggested halting military aid. Czechia remains a key Ukraine supporter, having mediated 1.5 million artillery rounds in 2023.

A new book, Invisible Wounds: The Mental Health Crisis in Ukraine through the Eyes of Experts There, launched Tuesday, detailing the war’s psychological toll on soldiers, civilians, and aid workers. Written by Ukrainian mental health professionals, it includes 90 interviews and features photography by Jiří Pasz. Available in Czech, Ukrainian, and English, the book explores PTSD, depression, and trauma, emphasizing how Europe can support Ukraine’s mental health recovery. Experts say the full impact of the war may not be seen for another 10 years.

The Czech-developed TROLL spy satellite, part of a planned Czech-Ukrainian satellite network, has entered orbit, with Ukraine’s DRAK military satellite set to follow, the Kyiv Post reported Tuesday. Built by Brno-based TRL Space, TROLL features a hyperspectral camera using AI to detect camouflaged vehicles and chemical traces. The network, agreed upon after Russia’s 2022 invasion, will eventually include five satellites, launching between 2026 and 2031, to aid Ukraine’s defense with high-resolution imagery.

Deputy Defense Minister Daniel Blažkovec Monday awarded 25 people, including four posthumously, commemorative badges for their resistance against the communist regime at the Military Museum. Honorees included photographer Gabriela Fárová and filmmaker Irena Gosmanová. The awards, granted under a 2011 law, recognize those who fought for democracy. Since then, 2,500 activists have received certificates, along with a CZK 100,000 contribution. He said he admired in them that they gave up the certainties of life and the hope of a good existence because they loved truth and freedom.