News in brief for Oct. 16: Top headlines for Czechia on Monday

Germany is preparing to introduce border controls with the Czech Republic and other neighboring countries, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan wrote on social network X. The checks will be random, similar to the Czech Republic's checks on the border with Slovakia, and aim to combat traffickers.

Germany has recently tightened controls due to a growing number of asylum applications and the fight against smugglers. Last week, the Czech government extended random checks on the border with Slovakia until Nov. 2. Over 200,000 people have applied for asylum in Germany this year.

Industrial and technology holding company Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is purchasing the Sporting Products ammunition division from American company Vista Outdoor for USD 1.91 billion (CZK 44.66 billion).

The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval,  according to Czechoslovak Group spokesman Andrej Čírtek. After the completion of the transaction, Vista Outdoor will be split into two entities, with the Sporting Products division being acquired by CSG.

A recent four-day safety preventive event in Prague, which ended on Sunday night, resulted in police officers discovering 719 offenses committed by cyclists and e-scooter riders. In total, 141 fines totaling CZK 46,700 were issued. The most common offenses included driving on the sidewalk, disregarding traffic signs, and riding in the opposite direction.

Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda emphasized the city's commitment to addressing reckless driving and stated that future events are planned to ensure compliance. A similar inspection earlier this year resulted in the discovery of 1,336 violations and the imposition of 402 fines.

The Habsburg emperor Rudolph II moved the seat of the Habsburg monarchy from Vienna to Prague on Oct. 16, 1583. The decision of the head of the Holy Roman Empire and king of Bohemia, Hungary, and Croatia, led to Prague becoming one of the centers of arts and sciences in Europe.

Additionally, Prague Castle underwent a metamorphosis that filled it with rich decorations and paintings, courtesy of the artists and architects who flocked to Rudolph II's court, together with scientists, philosophers, and humanists from all ower the continent.

Ondřej Perušič and David Schweiner secured the greatest success in the history of Czech beach volleyball by becoming world champions in Mexico. They defeated the Swedish pair the Swedish pair David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig to win the final 21:15, 17:21, 15:13.

With this victory, the Czechs also earned a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris. This is the best result for Czech beach volleyball at the World Championships, surpassing the bronze achieved by Eva Celbová and Sonia Dosoudilová in 2001. Previously, the best result for Czech men was 17th place, also achieved by Perušič and Schweiner twice.

The Office for the Protection of Economic Competition will review the contract for the completion of metro line D, iRozhlas reports. Companies excluded from the contract have submitted proposals for review to address alleged errors in the offer and the selection process.

The companies argue that the transport company did not properly handle their objections and failed to address relevant concerns and cite discrepancies in the examination of offers and insufficient references of the winning group. The transport company has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter. Similar objections were filed earlier, but the contract was allowed to continue.

A Prague defense lawyer and her articled clerk embezzled 44 victims, and the damage caused amounts to almost CZK 153 million, according to Prague Police spokesman Jan Daněk. The two women were accused last September when the damage was estimated at CZK 50 million and the number of affected clients was 11.

The investigation is ongoing and has been extended to include a fraud charge. Despite their release from custody, both women are still under investigation, with the deadline extended to March 2024.

Dozens gathered in Prague's Wenceslas Square Sunday for a demonstration criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, following attacks by Hamas militants. Supporters of Israel, including Defense Minister Jana Černochová, held a counter-demonstration. While other European cities banned pro-Palestinian rallies, Prague allowed the protest.

The event, organized by the "Not in Our Name!" initiative, aimed to honor victims on both sides and called for a mutual ceasefire and a just settlement. Israel defended its actions, condemning Hamas attacks and claiming torture of Israelis. The Czech Interior Minister stated the event ended peacefully, emphasizing respect for laws and freedom of expression.

Prague's Old Town Square was temporarily evacuated late Sunday evening due to a suspicious object, prompting fears of an explosive device. Police, alongside a pyrotechnician, investigated the situation and found no such device. A similar false alarm occurred earlier at the Spanish Synagogue. Tram services on Wenceslas Square were also disrupted due to abandoned luggage.

Amid heightened security concerns following recent events, authorities have been taking such reports seriously. Fortunately, no actual threats were found, and both locations were declared safe, with the Old Town Square, a popular tourist spot, reopening to the public.

Polish citizens in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava voted in the Polish parliamentary elections, determining the composition of the 460-member Sejm (lower house) and the 100-member Senate. The elections took place at two locations in Prague and in North Moravia. Voters also participated in a referendum initiated by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.

While 2,460 voters registered in Prague, where a significant Polish population resides, others were expected to vote with voter permission. PiS is anticipated to win, though it's uncertain if they'll secure the Sejm majority needed to form a government. The Civic Coalition, pro-European and in opposition for eight years, hopes to return to power and supports a referendum on various issues.

Night and morning frosts are set to sweep the Czech Republic over the coming days, posing a threat to vegetables. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issued a warning that ground frosts could damage heat-sensitive vegetables and may also impact corn. This warning applies to areas up to 500 meters above sea level from Monday to Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to plunge to minus four degrees Celsius. The ČHMÚ suggests covering vegetables with non-woven fabric until the frost subsides. Today's highest temperatures will drop by over ten degrees Celsius, with snowfall expected in mountainous regions.

An exhibition titled "Faces of the Russian Opposition" highlighting Russian political prisoners has opened in Prague's city center. The event also marks 1,000 Days of Navalny, commemorating the imprisonment of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. This exhibition has previously been displayed in Tallinn, Vilnius, Berlin, and Nuremberg and is in Prague until Oct. 28 before traveling to other European cities.

The organizers cite increased repression against political dissent in Russia, particularly following the country's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Navalny, a well-known political prisoner, has been incarcerated since January 2021 after recovering from suspected Novichok poisoning in Germany.