Czech news in brief for August 13: Wednesday's top headlines

ANO party MP Margita Balaštíková will not run in October’s general election after allegations she ordered the killing of her ex-husband’s partner’s dog, party leader Andrej Babiš said Wednesday. Secret recordings of Balaštíková sparked the claims. Balaštíková, a lawmaker since 2013 and ANO’s shadow agriculture minister, denied the claim, calling the recording order fake. Babiš described the alleged act as “absolutely unacceptable” and said it necessitated her removal from the party’s candidate list.

German forensic experts say the death of a 13-year-old Czech boy found near Knappenrode, Saxony, is likely a tragic accident, police reported Wednesday. The boy had been missing since Sunday near a lakeside campsite in a German town. Authorities found no evidence of foul play. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results to clarify the exact cause and circumstances of his death, according to the Görlitz police headquarters.

Czech human rights activists have petitioned Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda to stop a planned concert by U.S. rapper Ye, citing his anti-Semitic statements and praise of Adolf Hitler. The show was reportedly moved from a canceled Slovak festival, though no Czech promoter has confirmed it. Activists warned of security risks in an open letter, gaining support from Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil. Organizers say staging the concert in Prague within weeks is unlikely. Ye, formerly Kanye West, faced similar protests in Slovakia in June.

Prague officials and diplomats paid tribute Wednesday to Czechoslovak airmen who served in the British Royal Air Force during World War II, marking the 80th anniversary of their return home. Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil praised their heroism and role in strengthening Czechoslovakia’s ties to the West. He noted that while the airmen were celebrated after the war, many faced persecution following the 1948 communist coup. The memorial ceremony took place near Václav Havel Airport.

More Czech hotels are welcoming pets, and dog-friendly beaches are on the rise, travel agencies say. Interest in traveling with dogs is slowly increasing, though costs are higher, with hotel surcharges typically ranging from CZK 120 to CZK 500 per night. Pet policies vary by hotel and room size, with restrictions on weight and access to certain areas. The share of hotels allowing pets is still small but growing steadily each year. Separate research has also shown that workplaces are open to accepting pets.

The National Cyber and Security Agency reported 23 cyber incidents in Czechia in July, the highest monthly total this year. Most were minor, but two were significant, and one very significant. A major attack paralyzed Nymburk hospital, halting IT systems and limiting care, though no patients were critically affected. Two incidents were linked to a nationwide power outage affecting 1 million customers on July 4. June and May saw 12 and 11 incidents, respectively.

Climate change is lengthening Europe’s fire season, climatologists from the Czech Academy of Sciences say, with earlier starts, later ends and more fires even in uncommon areas. Rising temperatures, drought and windy weather fuel the spread, while human activity remains a key trigger. Experts warn the trend will worsen, stressing prevention, rapid detection and modern firefighting tools as essential to limiting damage.

German police discovered the body of a 13-year-old Czech boy who went missing Sunday near a campsite on Lake Silbersee in eastern Germany. Authorities say the cause of death is unclear and could be accidental, criminal, or suicide. The boy’s family was on holiday in Saxony’s Bautzen district. More than 100 officers searched for him with Czech cooperation. The investigation is ongoing.

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The Czech Presidential Office says China’s announcement cutting off contacts with President Petr Pavel changes nothing, as no direct communication exists. Beijing accused Pavel of harming its sovereignty after meeting the Dalai Lama in India. Czech ministers defended Pavel, dismissing Chinese objections. Beijing sees the Dalai Lama as a separatist, while he advocates greater Tibetan autonomy and protection of Buddhist culture.

General Atlantic plans to sell its 2.4 percent stake in Germany media company ProSiebenSat.1 to Czech firm PPF, sources told Reuters. The move defies ProSiebenSat.1’s board, which urged shareholders to accept MediaForEurope’s higher takeover offer. PPF has refused to raise its EUR 7-per-share bid. The sale could complicate MFE’s control ambitions. ProSiebenSat.1 owns major TV channels and streaming platform Joyn; PPF operates globally in telecoms, finance, and media.

Rapper Ye will perform in Prague this September after the Rubicon festival near Bratislava was canceled, organizers said. Ticket holders who don’t seek refunds will get entry to the Prague concert. The Slovak event was called off nine days before its start, sparking doubts over planning. Ye, formerly Kanye West, has faced controversy over antisemitic remarks, prompting petitions against his original Slovak show.

Emil, a young male moose who has roamed Czechia for months, has crossed into Slovakia, authorities in the border town of Skalica said. A video posted online shows locals chasing the animal. Emil entered Czechia from Poland earlier this year, becoming a social media sensation. Wildlife experts warn people to keep their distance, as moose can panic and attack when startled.