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

Prague police have charged 34 people in a Covid-19-era subsidy fraud scheme that caused a CZK 27 million loss and blocked another CZK 66 million, authorities said Friday. Investigators said four main organizers used “white horses” to submit more than 50 applications, claiming fictitious income drops to receive government support. Some applicants reported millions in expenses despite minimal or no income. The organizers face up to 10 years in prison for fraud and money laundering, police spokeswoman Eva Kropáčová said.

Sunday’s Czech First League match between Bohemians 1905 and Mlada Boleslav was postponed due to a viral illness affecting 14 players in the Prague squad, the League Football Association said. LFA Executive Director Tomáš Bárta cited health concerns and competition integrity as reasons. No new date has been set. This marks the third top-flight postponement this season, following previous delays linked to European cup commitments by Mladá Boleslav and Ostrava.

The public is preparing for the free Castle Night on Aug. 23, a well-known celebration marking the end of summer, during which more than 120 historic castles, chateaus, and monuments throughout Czechia will remain open after dark on Saturday. The event starts around 7 p.m. and closes around midnight (or later in some cases). In Prague, the event will take place at notable locations such as the gardens beneath Prague Castle, Wallenstein Palace, and Invalidovna, featuring torchlit guided tours, musical performances, costumed storytelling, and more.

Military police are investigating a professional soldier for allegedly buying firearms, ammunition, and spare parts last year without authorization, the force reported Friday on X. Authorities are probing the case as illegal arming. Surveillance and evidence collection led to a search that seized multiple long guns, three revolvers, and additional ammunition. If convicted, the soldier could face up to five years in prison. The investigation remains ongoing.

Prague will retain its centre for assisting Ukrainians, but plans for a new return center have been canceled, Czech Radio reported Friday. The project stalled after Ukraine’s Ministry of National Unity was dissolved, leaving its future uncertain. The existing centre, renamed Unity Hub, will continue helping Ukrainians with integration, housing, and job information. Funded for two years with EUR 1.5 million (CZK 36.8 million). More than 378,000 people are registered for temporary protection, which allows Ukrainian war refugees to access public health insurance.

 Several hundred people gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Prague late Friday to mark the anniversary of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and express support for Ukraine. The rally, organized by People in Need and other NGOs, featured Czech and Ukrainian flags and banners. Former Russian soldier Alexej Zenatý, who deserted in 1988, condemned Russian propaganda. Police monitored but did not intervene, while Ukrainian singer Svitlana Reichelová performed at the event.

Public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s coalition government prevailed in June, according to a CVVM survey released Friday. Seventy percent of respondents disapproved of the cabinet’s work, while more than two thirds rated Fiala negatively. About a quarter expressed satisfaction with the government’s activities or its members. The best-rated aspect was the government’s program, with 30 percent approval. Communication with the public scored lowest, with over three fourths of people dissatisfied.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Friday it is too early to discuss Czechia’s participation in potential peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, stressing the priority is rebuilding a strong Ukrainian army. He noted no peace plan or mission framework yet exists. President Petr Pavel has voiced support for Czech involvement, while Defence Minister Jana Černochová said no request is on the table. She added Czechia could discuss troop deployment after a ceasefire, provided there is no risk to soldiers.

The Czech Justice Ministry will join the criminal proceedings against accused bitcoin donor Tomáš Jirikovský as a damaged party, officials said Friday. Jirikovský, arrested last week, is charged with concealing that bitcoins worth CZK 1 billion he donated were proceeds of crime. He previously served prison time for running a darknet marketplace. Police have seized the bitcoins and placed him in custody. Justice Minister Eva Decroix said the ministry had not used the bitcoins, so its operations remain unaffected.

 Firefighters battled a large blaze in an industrial hall in Ostrava-Třebovice early Friday, declaring the third-highest alarm level. Seventeen units responded after flames were reported shortly after 5 a.m., officials said. High-altitude equipment was deployed to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent halls. One hall was fully engulfed, while a chemical lab monitored air quality. Authorities urged residents to limit ventilation and sent mass text warnings as smoke spread over the area.