Czech news in brief for May 4: Saturday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala hailed the success of his recent trip to the United States in an interview with Czech News Agency, emphasizing deep trust and robust relations between the countries. The visit bolstered cooperation in security and business, with key discussions on Ukraine support. Fiala's appeal for an extensive aid package was swiftly followed by its congressional approval. Discussions also covered nuclear energy, LNG supply, and trade. Fiala's visit to the CIA underscored mutual trust in security matters. He plans further strategic trips, including to Italy, before fall elections.

Avraham Harshalom, a Holocaust survivor and prominent figure in Czech-Israeli relations, has passed away at the age of 99 in Tel Aviv, reports the Czech Embassy to Israel. Born Adam Friedberg in 1925 in Pruzhany, Poland (now Belarus), he endured the horrors of Auschwitz before escaping to Prague during World War II. Recognized for his bravery, he joined the Prague Uprising and later contributed to Israel's military and entrepreneurial landscape. His memoir Born Again from the Ashes immortalizes his extraordinary journey.

Star Wars fans congregated today in Prague's Wenceslas Square to celebrate May the 4th, International Star Wars Day. Adorned in costumes resembling iconic characters like Darth Vader and Rey, fans paraded through the city before converging at the Cross Club in Holešovice for festivities through this evening. Organizers have arranged discussions and activities, while visitors can indulge in themed souvenirs and commemorate the saga's enduring legacy. With the first film's release dating back to 1977, the Star Wars phenomenon continues to captivate fans worldwide.

ANO head Andrej Babiš has clarified his stance against Czechia's efforts to deliver ammunition for Ukraine, emphasizing that his criticism is directed at the lack of transparency in the Czech initiative rather than the aid to Ukraine itself. Responding to Defense Minister Jana Černochová's accusations, Babiš highlighted the need for clarity in the initiative, labeling it a "giant PR campaign." He questioned the cost to taxpayers, procurement procedures, and transportation logistics. The initiative is set to deliver its first shipments in early summer.

On Friday afternoon, authorities retrieved a human head from the Radbuza river in central Pilsen. Discovered between Denisov and Angliský nábreží, the head was found in a state of significant decomposition. While speculation arose regarding its possible connection to a previous case involving a headless body discovered last year, police have refrained from confirming any link until further forensic analysis is conducted. The investigation remains ongoing under Pilsen criminal investigators.

Descendants of US World War II veterans gathered in Pilsen for the Liberation Festival on Friday, advocating for NATO unity in the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Major Chris Ingram stressed the importance of NATO cohesion to deter further Russian advances. Ingram emphasized the generational challenge of preserving wartime memory and the necessity of dialogue with youth. The descendants aim to uphold their ancestors' legacies, fostering ties between Plzen and the US. Living veterans, including George Thompson and George Patton Waters, sent video greetings to the festival.

The US, NATO, and the EU have jointly condemned cyberattacks linked to Russia in Prague and Berlin. The EU and NATO emphasize solidarity with the Czech Republic and Germany, denouncing malicious activities undermining democracy. The German government has labeled Russian cyberattacks a threat to democracy and national security, urging Moscow to cease such actions. These reactions follow announcements by both governments regarding cyberattacks associated with the APT28 group. Germany connects these attacks with its support for Ukraine.

The number of Ukrainian refugee children enrolled in Czech schools has risen by three percent since the start of the current school year, totaling 49,539, as reported by the Czech Education Ministry. Kindergartens saw the most significant increase, up by 23 percent to 7,005 children. Conversely, primary schools experienced a slight decline of approximately 1 percent, while secondary schools saw a notable 9.8 percent increase. Most attend public schools, primarily in Prague and Central Bohemia. This surge reflects the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Ukrainian refugees comprising the majority of foreign children in Czech schools.

Most in the scientific community agree Pavel Tuleja made the right decision to withdraw his nomination as Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation. Concerns over publishing in predatory journals and producing low-quality papers led to doubts about his suitability. Criticisms included his grasp of science, emphasizing the need for a knowledgeable appointee. While some praised Tuleja's acknowledgment of past mistakes, others stressed the urgency of appointing a minister with an impeccable record.

US General Creighton Abrams (1914-1974) will be honored with a memorial plaque in Kamýk nad Vltavou, south of Prague, commemorating his pivotal role in WWII. On May 9, a ceremony will unveil the plaque, followed by a display of WWII-era military camp and historical weaponry. Abrams led a US army unit to capture Nazi troops threatening the region, saving many lives and aiding in the liberation from Nazism.

Liberec Zoo is spearheading efforts to save the Philippine eagle, the world's most endangered eagle species. With only around 40 specimens housed in a rescue center on Mindanao, breeding efforts have been hampered. To address this, two workers from the Mindanao center are interning at the zoo, renowned for its success in assisted breeding of raptors. With plans to establish a stable population, the zoo's expertise offers hope for the future of these majestic birds.