Czech news in brief for October 23: Wednesday's top headlines

A 43-year-old woman was sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Regional Court in Brno for murdering her five-month-old step-grandson in Jihlava. The court found that she threw the infant against a wall out of frustration, resulting in fatal injuries. The woman denied the charges, claiming it was an accident. The verdict is not final, as her defense has the option to appeal.

Czech journalist Ray Baseley has been detained by Georgian authorities while reporting on Ukraine and Georgia, CNN Prima News reports. The Czech Embassy in Tbilisi is investigating the situation, requesting Baseley’s whereabouts and reasons for his detention. Baseley, who collaborates with Forum24, announced on social media that he was denied entry to Georgia without explanation. The Czech Foreign Ministry is actively addressing the case.

A recent STEM/MARK poll reveals that 53 percent of Czechs prefer Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump, who garnered 27 percent support. The poll, conducted from Sept. 26 to Oct. 20, shows Harris leading particularly among young voters, university graduates, and higher-income households. In contrast, Trump is favored among men, seniors, and lower-income respondents. Many Czechs view the election as choosing the lesser of two evils.

The Czech House of Representatives approved emergency financial assistance for families impacted by this year’s floods, focusing on childcare and housing. The law includes nursing fees for children under 10 and housing support for affected households. Victims could receive up to CZK 194,400 in aid. The measure moves to the Senate and is expected to take effect after the president’s signature, likely in November.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the Czech Republic will meet its goal of supplying Ukraine with 500,000 pieces of large-caliber ammunition by year-end, with continuous deliveries planned. He emphasized the importance of military and energy support for Ukraine, warning against North Korean involvement in the conflict. Fiala also highlighted cooperation with Denmark and the Netherlands in supplying artillery to Ukraine.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Czech public transport carried 1.02 billion passengers in the first half of 2024, up six percent year-on-year. Though still seven percent behind pre-pandemic 2019 levels, demand is rebounding. The total number of passengers this year is expected to reach two billion. Public transport performance increased 5.5 percent in the distance traveled, reflecting growing popularity, says Tomáš Pelikán of the Czech Transport Companies Association.

Czech automakers produced nearly 1.1 million passenger cars in the first three quarters of 2024, an 8 percent increase year-on-year. However, electric vehicle (EV) production accounted for just a tenth of this output, with demand for EVs declining across Europe despite EU efforts to promote them over internal combustion engines. This contrasts rising overall production and shrinking interest in electric cars.

Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra will perform in Czechia for the first time during its European Friendship Tour, with concerts in Telč, Hradec Králové, Ostrava, and Prague. The first two shows feature a chamber ensemble, while the last two will showcase the full 90-member orchestra, including traditional Chinese instruments. Taiwanese violinist Yu-Chien Tseng, a prize-winning soloist, will perform at all concerts.

An 800-year-old oak from Lukavice, East Bohemia, has been named the Czech Tree of the Year 2024, receiving over 9,000 votes. Organized by the Partnership Foundation, the poll drew nearly 39,000 votes. The oak, 31 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 7.1 meters, will now compete in the European Tree of the Year contest. It has survived destruction attempts and a hurricane.