Czech news in brief for May 5: Sunday's top headlines

Renowned British composer Ilan Eshkeri (Stardust, 47 Ronin, Ghost of Tsushima) kicked off Westfield Chodov's Good Festival with a screening of his latest film, Space Station Earth. The movie will be shown again during the festival on May 7 at 10:00 a.m. and May 12 at 7:00 p.m. The immersive audiovisual experience, made in cooperation with NASA, is comprised of footage of Earth from space set to Eshkeri's original music. The Good Festival continues with accompanying events and shop discounts at Westfield Chodov through next weekend.

Paramedics treated 13 runners who collapsed during Sunday's Prague International Marathon, none of whom required hospitalization. This contrasts with the April half-marathon where over a hundred runners needed assistance. The marathon, hosting 8,000 runners from various nations, featured clear weather with moderate temperatures. Enhanced medical services, including six crews and two medical tents, ensured prompt care.

Actress Simona Postlerová, known for her roles in films like Waltzing Matilda (Tancuj Matyldo), and TV series such as Docent and Vyprávej, was found deceased in her apartment in Prague's Vinohrady at the age of 59, reports Blesk. Authorities responding to the scene reported that the actress had died naturally in her sleep. Postlerová, born into a family of filmmakers, pursued her passion for acting from a young age. Her legacy includes contributions to theater, film, and television.

Ethiopian runners Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Bedatu Hirpa clinched victories at the Prague Marathon, while Czech champions Martin Edlman and Petra Pastorová celebrated unexpected wins. Hayle's triumph marked the first Ethiopian victory since 2019, crossing the finish line in 2:08:44, with Hirpa leading the women in 2:23:41. Edlman secured the Czech men's title with a time of 2:22:19, while Pastorová claimed her sixth national title with a time of 2:47:04.

Thirteen people sustained injuries, mostly minor, in a fire that broke out in an apartment building in Frýdek-Místek last night. Firefighters and police evacuated around two dozen residents, with damage estimated at two million crowns. The fire's cause, suspected to be an electrical short circuit, is under investigation by forensic experts. Thankfully, most injuries were related to smoke inhalation, and only one person required hospitalization for a burnt hand.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized ANO's rejection of pension reform negotiations, citing irresponsibility and a disregard for society. ANO's refusal to engage in discussions and their history of abandoning reforms are concerning, he says. Fiala emphasized the need for consensus and warned against repeating such actions. The government recently approved a draft law for pension reforms aimed at securing decent pensions for future generations.

A memorial service at Prague's Czech Radio building in Vinohrady will honor the Prague Uprising of May 1945, marking 79 years since the courageous battle against Nazi oppression. Notable speakers include Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil, Chamber of Deputies Head Markéta Pekarová Adamová, and others. The uprising, which commenced on May 5, 1945, played a pivotal role in hastening Nazi surrender in the Czech capital at the end of WWII. This commemoration underscores the significance of resistance and sacrifice in Czech history.

Over 8,000 runners from nearly a hundred countries are set to kick off the 29th Prague International Marathon this morning from 9:00 a.m. in Old Town Square. Serving as the final opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympics, the renowned event draws athletes worldwide. Notable contenders include Ethiopian Herpasa Negasa, aiming to break the men's record, and Kenyan Dorcas Jepchirchir, eyeing victory among women. Defending Czech champion Vít Pavlišta seeks his fifth title among local competitors, while Petra Pastorová aims for her sixth in the absence of key competitors.

A protest against the arrival of supporters of the pro-Putin motorcycle group Night Wolves took place in Brno on Saturday. Displaying banners and flags of the European Union, NATO, and Ukraine, protesters awaited the bikers at Central Cemetery. The Night Wolves' stop was part of a WWII memorial tour which commenced in Slovakia and will conclude in Prague. Another protest is planned for the bikers' arrival at Olšany Cemetery in Prague on Monday. The Night Wolves' nationalist associations and ties to Russian aggression in Ukraine fuel discontent among authorities and activists alike.

The second day of the Liberation Festival in Pilsen on Saturday began with a solemn Mass honoring of veterans and victims of wars, commemorating the 79th anniversary of the liberation of western Bohemia by the American army and the end of World War II. Led by Pilsen Bishop Tomáš Holub in Czech and English, the ceremony included prayers and intercessions read by descendants of American and Belgian veterans. Despite the absence of veterans, their families were warmly welcomed, underscoring the enduring significance of remembrance and gratitude. The festivities, continuing until Monday, feature a diverse cultural program across the city center.

A fatal collision involving two trucks and a car carrying a historic tank halted traffic on the D1 highway between Bohumín and the Polish border for over 12 hours on Saturday. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others sustained injuries. The accident occurred when a truck collided with a car stopped behind a tractor. Emergency responders, including air rescue services, intervened, and traffic was partially restored by 9 p.m. Rescue efforts involved multiple fire departments and medical teams.