Czech news in brief for November 15: Friday's top headlines

A Hrčava Forest Guard in the Beskydy mountains on the Czech-Polish border (in Moravia-Silesia) warned residents and tourists after a hunter spotted a 100-kilogram brown bear near Gírová. The bear briefly noticed the hunter before retreating into the forest. The Hrčava municipality advised using marked trails, avoiding solo hikes in confusing terrain, and remaining cautious but calm, emphasizing that this is not a cause for panic or sensationalism.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, his lecture on Czech foreign policy at University College London was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters. As Lipavský addressed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, students accused him of war crimes and chanted slogans supporting Palestine. After 20 minutes of disruption, security forces advised Lipavský to leave via an emergency exit as activists blocked corridors, preventing relocation. Lipavský expressed readiness to finish his lecture despite the interruptions.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, speaking in London today, criticized EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell’s proposal to suspend political dialogue with Israel, citing inconsistency in Borrell’s approach. Lipavský noted that Borrell had previously delayed convening an associated council with Israel during the Czech EU Council presidency and now advocates halting dialogue. Borrell’s proposal, motivated by reports of Israeli human rights violations, will be discussed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Czech and German investigators detained three Vietnamese nationals at Svatý Kříž market near Cheb in late September for selling methamphetamine. Facing up to 10 years in prison, they distributed drugs in handbags. Pilsen customs officers conducted 11 searches in the Czech Republic and Germany, seizing 0.87 kilos of methamphetamine, anabolic tablets, tools, and EUR 5,200 (CZK 131,450). One suspect was caught during a transaction. One gram was sold for about EUR 50 (CZK 1,263).

According to prosecutor Martina Adamková, Prague 8 District Court convicted psychiatrist Jan Cimický, 76, of four rapes and 35 extortion cases, sentencing him to five years in prison and a 10-year professional ban. Between 1979 and 2019, Cimický assaulted patients and interns, some under 18, at Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and the Blue Lagoon Mental Health Centre. He must pay CZK 6 million in damages. He has repeatedly denied having committed rape and any sexual coercion.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky expressed optimism about Marco Rubio’s nomination for U.S. Secretary of State, saying it would offer Czechia a geopolitical ally. Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy, especially toward China, Iran, and Cuba, was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump. Lipavsky noted potential opportunities for security discussions with Rubio, highlighting the importance of Europe increasing its defense spending amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. support for Ukraine.

Customs officers in Czechia report a significant increase in drug shipments by mail, with intercepted packages up by a third year-on-year. Packages frequently contain cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic drugs from China and the Netherlands. The government plans to add 146 substances to the prohibited list. While most cases involve small-scale, occasional users ordering via the darknet, meth remains the dominant drug in Czechia, according to the National Anti-Drug Headquarters.

The European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against Czechia and 12 other EU nations for failing to submit updated National Energy and Climate Plans, essential for meeting EU renewable energy and emissions targets. Czechia and the others have two months to respond to the formal notice, marking the first stage in a multi-step process that could escalate to the EU Court of Justice if unresolved.

European lawmakers and Czech Jewish leaders condemned rising anti-Semitism in Europe following recent Middle East violence, reports Czech Television. Prague Jewish Community Chairman František Bányai cautioned against conflating criticism of Israeli government actions with anti-Semitism. At the same time, MEPs Ondřej Krutílek and Ondřej Kovařík urged clear condemnation of anti-Semitic acts. Recent incidents, such as violence at a France-Israel soccer match, highlight escalating concerns across the continent.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, after a cloudy Thursday and Friday, Czechia will see clearer, warmer weather this weekend, with highs reaching 10°C. Sunshine is expected across most areas, though fog may persist in spots. Clouds will increase on Sunday, with possible showers in the west. Cooler, rainier conditions will return next week, with snow possible at higher elevations.