Czech news in brief for November 22: Friday's top headlines

A train derailed early this morning in Česká Třebová, causing damage to the tracks, including a switch that requires replacement. No injuries were reported. Repair work will last until this evening, causing delays and detours, especially for international trains, reports Czech Railways. Regional services are replaced by buses. Affected trains are rerouted, and speed reductions are in place. The incident is under investigation by the Railway Inspection Authority.

Four women, whose complaints of sexual violence against former Czech member of parliament and now prosecuted Dominik Feri were dismissed by Czech courts, filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights in October. Feri, serving a three-year sentence for raping two girls and attempting another, denied guilt. Czech media writes that if the Strasbourg court were to uphold the women's complaint, it would open up the possibility of compensation and even of a new trial.

Opposition leader Andrej Babiš today criticized Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the Chamber of Deputies, questioning his mental state over statements about achieving German-level wages and election ambitions. Government members of parliament (MPs) protested, calling the remarks offensive, and Labor Minister Marian Jurečka and Transport Minister Martin Kupka left in protest, denouncing Babiš' behavior as unprecedented and indecent. Other MPs whistled, booed, and pounded on their desks. 

During his visit to Ukraine today, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský inspected a de-mining project in the town of Myla, near Kyiv, supported by Czech funding. He also visited Kyiv’s Ochmatdyt Children’s Hospital, damaged in a July Russian airstrike. He reaffirmed Czech support for Ukrainian healthcare. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Czech Republic will donate CZK 5 million to a children's hospital in Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Czech Republic has criticized the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala calling the decision “unfortunate” and saying it undermines the court’s authority. The warrants, issued for Israeli PM Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Gallant, and Hamas figure Mohammed Deif, allege war crimes in Gaza. Czech officials expressed concerns about equating democratic leaders with terrorist figures, while some support ICC investigations.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský arrived in Kyiv today for his fourth visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. Lipavsky plans to meet Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, discussing Czech support, aid coordination, and the ongoing conflict. His visit follows a recent Russian missile strike on Ukraine, condemned by the EU as an escalation. Czechia remains a key supporter, supplying Ukraine with heavy weaponry.

The Czech Republic will receive eight H-1 helicopters from the U.S. Marine Corps between 2027 and 2028 as part of a donation for aiding Ukraine, Defense Minister Jana Cernochova announced. The delivery includes six AH-1Z Viper attack and two UH-1Y Venom transport helicopters, with upgrades costing 8.1 billion crowns. This addition will bring the Czech army’s H-1 fleet to 20 helicopters, replacing aging Russian Mi-24V/35 models.

Overnight snowfall has disrupted traffic across Moravia, Silesia, and mountainous areas in eastern and southern Czechia. Up to 8 cm of snow has accumulated, particularly on higher-elevation roads where compacted or slushy snow creates challenging driving conditions. Authorities advise caution due to reduced visibility and icy patches. In Olomouc, a truck accident caused delays, while snowy and icy roads persist in parts of the Liberec and South Bohemia regions.

The popular Three Wishes for Cinderella exhibition at Moritzburg Castle in Saxony, where parts of the 1973 Czechoslovak-East German film were shot, reopened with additional costumes, including Cinderella’s wedding dress, for visitors to try on. Launched in 2009, the exhibition attracted 134,000 visitors last year. The film remains a holiday staple in Germany, airing at least 15 times this season.