Czech news in brief for July 22: Tuesday's top headlines

Czech police recorded 60 hate-motivated crimes in the first half of 2025, 40 fewer than during the same period last year, the Interior Ministry reported Tuesday. Authorities solved 22 of those cases. The most common offense was incitement to hatred or restriction of rights, with 16 cases reported. Police have prosecuted 37 individuals so far. The ministry warned of rising online radicalization, especially among youth, noting increasing threats and extremist content affecting Czech schools.

The Czech Ministry of Defense signed a CZK 4.2 billion contract with Sweden’s SAAB Dynamics AB to purchase 24 armored vehicles equipped with RBS 70 NG air defense systems. Deliveries are set for 2028 to 2030. The vehicles, fitted with Czech-made turret stations, will be deployed by the 25th anti-aircraft missile regiment. The deal also includes eight portable missile sets, 80 missiles, training equipment, spare parts, and personnel training. Officials say the purchase addresses modern battlefield and protection needs.

Czech firefighters are returning home after eight days aiding flood victim searches in Texas. The 16-member team, deployed July 13, worked along the Guadalupe River and nearby creeks, confirming five victims amid flash floods that struck on July 4. At least 135 people died in the floods, according to U.S. authorities. The Czech team’s mission focused on detailed searches of secured and newly exposed areas to assist local recovery efforts, the Czech Fire Rescue Service said.

Police in Český Krumlov charged two women, aged 42 and 62, for issuing dozens of false sick leave forms while posing as medical providers. The women, former non-medical staff at a closed doctor’s office, continued unauthorized medical services between 2023 and 2024. They reportedly falsified documents affecting at least 145 patients, causing nearly CZK 1.5 million in damages. Charges include unauthorized computer access and forgery, with penalties up to five years in prison.

More than half of Czechs would participate in defending the country if it were militarily attacked, but fewer than one-third would take up arms, according to a survey by the STEM agency released today. Twenty-eight percent said they would fight with a weapon, while another 25 percent would serve in support roles such as logistics, IT, or healthcare. Despite this willingness, most respondents do not consider joining the military. The survey also found that one-quarter of Czechs support increasing defense spending.

A Mexican student is in serious condition at Prague's Motol Hospital after being diagnosed with infectious meningitis B, Czech officials said Tuesday. The student, who reportedly drove himself to the hospital, was admitted to the intensive care unit and later transferred to the infectious diseases clinic. Health authorities confirmed contact tracing identified three individuals who may have the illness, all given preventive antibiotics. The hospital is coordinating with the student’s family and embassy, according to the Ministry of Health.

Czech officials say they were not approached to join a call by Britain and 24 countries demanding an immediate halt to the Gaza war. The Czech Republic supports humanitarian aid efforts, approving over CZK 10 million for Gaza this year. Officials stress aid must not support Hamas and favor a ceasefire negotiated internationally.

Rescuers, police, and medics intervened late Monday at an accommodation facility in Roztoky near Prague over a suspected case of type B meningitis. Ninety-seven people were examined; none showed signs of infection, officials said. The area was briefly cordoned off, but no one was hospitalized. According to the Central Bohemian rescue service and Czech Television, the incident was deemed preventive, with low risk to others.

Due to deteriorated support structures, the Českomoravská metro station on line B will remain closed until early 2026. Weekend closures will occur in August, with replacement tram services offered. Further limited service reductions may follow in autumn. Line C will also face extended weekend closures for signaling upgrades.

Fast food chain Popeyes has begun delivery via Foodora at six Czech branches, including Prague and Brno. Orders are routed from the nearest location to ensure freshness. Delivery areas will expand as new restaurants open. Popeyes plans to open 60 outlets across Czechia by 2033.

Prague will host the Galileo SAR Meet 2025 air rescue exercise August 4-8, featuring eight foreign and four Czech crews. Participants will perform rescue tasks in challenging conditions, testing skills in flight, climbing, and ground operations. The event includes a Flying Challenge and Rescue Challenge.