Czech news in brief for March 6: Wednesday's top headlines

The National Drug Control Centre's director Jakub Frydrych stated that police and inspection officers are conducting numerous checks to ensure compliance with the new ban – enforced today – on hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and two other similar substances. The Czech government has listed these substances as banned addictive substances, with the sale and possession of larger quantities now considered criminal offenses.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the National Gallery Prague, where he spent an hour and a half touring two permanent exhibitions at the Trade Fair Palace. He showed a particular interest in Czech cubism and surrealism, asking many questions about the works of artists such as Henri Rousseau and Pablo Picasso. The NGP director also discussed cooperation with French art institutions, but no concrete results have been announced yet.

Prague detectives have apprehended a Czech man in Colombia suspected of making bomb threats in Czechia for over a year, targeting public transportation and a bank. The 39-year-old was found hiding in Latin America and has been deported back to the Czech Republic, police say. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. The man is accused of sending over 40 threatening emails last year, causing train delays and disruptions. He also threatened to release mosquitoes infected with the Zika virus in a bank's branches.

According to the State Health Institute, an 82-year-old man from Prague has died from diphtheria in the Czech Republic, marking the first death from the disease since 1969. The man was an athlete and active senior citizen, with no other serious illnesses. Diphtheria, which is included in compulsory vaccinations for children, had not been seen in the country for many years but reappeared in 2022 with six cases reported this year. The Prague public health office is investigating and implementing anti-epidemic measures for the man's contacts.

The police have discovered a group of five individuals producing methamphetamine on a farm in Nový Jičín (Moravia-Silesia). In addition, a separate group of three from the Zlín region was arrested for supplying the necessary drugs for production. The suspects, including one woman, could face up to 12 years in prison for illegal drug production and handling. Nový Jičín territorial department director Tomáš Kvíčala revealed that the police found enough chemicals during their search to produce over 100 kilograms of drugs.

According to national police Deputy President Tomáš Kubík, criminals in the Czech Republic defrauded citizens of approximately CZK 200 million through fraudulent phone calls last year. The "Big Reveal" campaign, led by the National Cyber and Information Security Agency, the police, and the Czech Banking Association, aims to educate people about the dangers of these scams and how to protect themselves. In 2023, the average amount lost in an attack was CZK 300,000.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute announced today that this winter at Prague’s Clementinum was the second- or third-warmest since records began in 1775, with an average temperature of 5.1 degrees Celsius. Last month was the warmest February recorded in the past 250 years, with an average of 8.1 degrees Celsius. The coldest winter in the capital was in 1829/1830, with an average temperature of -6.1 degrees Celsius. 

The Senate is set to address several key issues today, including tightening weapons laws, combatting money laundering, and unifying election rules. Attention is also on an amendment aimed at curbing political pressure on prosecutors. Committees have recommended various measures, including expanding anti-money laundering efforts and revising truck overloading fines.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala signed a strategic partnership action plan Tuesday at the Czech Government Office. The plan addresses various areas including European and foreign policy, security, trade, and culture. Both leaders condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aiming to strengthen EU cooperation and support Ukraine's reconstruction and integration efforts. They also plan to coordinate defense priorities, combat terrorism, and promote balanced energy sources.

Pavel Zajíček, a pivotal figure in Czechoslovak independent culture during the 1970s, died today at 72. Zajíček, known for his role in founding the iconic music group DG 307, authored numerous poetry collections and lyrics. He endured arrest under the communist regime, later signing the Charter 77 manifesto. Zajíček's contributions were honored with honorary citizenship of Prague in October 2023.

Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO opposition movement, questioned the quality of Ukrainian agricultural products in parliament Tuesday, citing media reports. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný dismissed his claims. Babiš referred to cases of "poisonous" grain and chicken meat, prompting a heated exchange with Výborný, who accused him of spreading disinformation. Czech inspectors found most Ukrainian imports met quality standards, despite Babiš's assertions.

The main hall of Zlín Congress Center, a landmark in the regional city since its opening in 2010, will be renamed after architect Eva Jiřičná. Jiřičná, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday in Zlin, expressed gratitude for the honor, highlighting her collaboration with the city. The Concert for Eva Jiřičná is scheduled in the newly dedicated hall, organized by the city, Zlín region, and Tomas Bata University. Jiřičná, a prominent architect with projects in Britain and Czechia, was awarded the region's highest decoration on her birthday.