Czech news in brief for July 11: Friday's top headlines

A Czech court on Thursday handed Zdenek Holzknecht, 50, a suspended sentence for disorderly conduct after an altercation with two Ukrainian women at a fair in 2023. The court found insufficient evidence to convict him of racially motivated violence or causing injury. The women alleged he assaulted them after learning they were Ukrainian, but inconsistencies in their statements led the court to question their credibility.

A group of over 30 countries supporting Ukraine aims to pressure Russia into negotiations, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Wednesday. Leaders met in Washington in the largest coalition gathering to date, including the United States for the first time. Co-chaired by the UK and France, the group discussed sanctions, military aid, and opening a headquarters in Paris, with plans to coordinate further in Kyiv.

Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård will appear at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Friday for a fan discussion and to present Emotional Value, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes. Skarsgård stars in Joachim Trier’s drama as a reclusive filmmaker who reconnects with his daughter, played by Renate Reinsve, by offering her a role in his final work.

Czech tennis star Kateřina Siniaková and Dutch partner Sander Gillé Verbeek claimed the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon on Thursday, defeating Brazil’s Luisa Stefani and Britain’s Joe Salisbury in straight sets, 7–6 (7–3), 7–6 (7–3). It marks Siniaková’s first mixed Grand Slam title and Verbeek’s first major championship. Siniaková also advances to the women’s doubles semifinals on Friday.

The European Commission introduced a voluntary code of practice Wednesday for developers of generative AI systems ahead of enforcement of the AI Act. The code addresses transparency, copyright, and safety in models like ChatGPT and Gemini. It includes risk management measures both before and after deployment. Partial enforcement of the AI Act starts in 2025, with full implementation expected by 2027.

Unsettled and cooler weather is expected in Czechia this weekend, the national weather office (ČHMÚ) reported Wednesday. Rain showers and cloudy skies are likely, with Saturday highs between 16°C and 22°C. Sunday will be warmer and drier, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 26°C. Though early next week may bring brief summer heat, forecasters say this summer’s tropical conditions are unlikely to return.

Czech police confirmed Wednesday that no specific terrorist threat exists after reports emerged of a planned bombing by Russian agents. Investigative outlet Odkryto.cz said Russian services plotted to attack a Czech army facility; one man was reportedly arrested. Authorities are reviewing the case, but emphasized there’s no verified danger to the public at this time, dismissing panic while continuing security assessments.

ANO remains the most popular party in Czechia with 28.7% support, but its numbers are slipping, according to a July NMS poll released Wednesday. The government’s Together coalition rose to 21.5%, followed by SPD at 13.3%. The Pirates–Greens alliance reached 7.9%, their best result in a year. Pollsters forecast 61.5% turnout in the October regional and Senate elections.

PRAGUE – Czech health authorities have banned swimming at four sites in the Vysočina region due to cyanobacterial contamination. Kachlička, Ředkovec, Sedlice, and Pilská are currently off-limits. Other ponds, including Medlov, are under warnings as heavy rains have worsened water quality. The high levels of algae pose risks especially to children, pregnant women, and allergy sufferers, though most Czech natural swimming areas remain safe.