Czech news in brief for July 25: Friday's top headlines

Czech police are investigating an attempted murder involving two foreign nationals after a mother stabbed her underage daughter Thursday in Prague’s Horní Počernice district. The attack occurred in a panel house on Chodovická Street. Both the 35-year-old woman and her daughter were hospitalized with serious injuries; authorities say the mother also harmed herself. Police have not yet determined a motive and have been unable to charge the woman due to her condition. Homicide detectives continue to treat the case as a family-related incident.

The Šumava National Park trail to the Modrý sloup (Blue Column) crossing could reopen this year after the Czech Environment Ministry ruled an environmental impact assessment is not required, park spokesman Jan Dvořák said Friday. Closed for nearly 80 years due to border restrictions and wildlife protection, the Luzenské Valley route may open from July 15 to Oct. 31, limited to 50 pedestrians daily. Final approval depends on pending administrative steps, including a review by the building authority.

Emperor Naruhito of Japan received Czech President Petr Pavel at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today, marking the highlight of Pavel’s visit to Japan. Their 30-minute meeting focused on cultural ties and mutual cooperation, avoiding political topics. Pavel later met Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He described the imperial meeting as friendly, noting shared interests in culture, sports, and support for Ukraine. The emperor recalled his 1985 visit to Czechia, including playing violin with a local quartet.

Ninety-four people have drowned in the Czech Republic so far this year, officials said Friday, warning the public to take water safety seriously. On World Drowning Prevention Day, Deputy Chief Hygienist Matyáš Fošum and police urged vigilance, citing alcohol, poor supervision of children, and overestimating swimming ability as top risks. About 200 drownings occur annually. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek emphasized that even small bodies of water, like garden pools, can be fatal.

The Czech Republic reaffirmed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but stressed it must come through direct negotiations, the Foreign Ministry said Friday. The statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will recognize Palestine at the UN in September. While France joins over 140 countries backing recognition, the Czech stance contrasts by emphasizing mutual agreement over unilateral recognition as the path to lasting peace.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will establish a permanent headquarters for one of its police contingents in Prague next year, officials said Friday. The unit, created in January and temporarily based in the Czech capital, oversees officers mainly stationed at airports in non-border EU states. The move shifts some operational management from Frontex’s main office in Warsaw to regional command centers. During the ceremony, Czechia's police chief said that 25 Frontex officers are stationed at Prague Airport.

The Czech Defence Ministry will buy up to CZK 4.26 billion in small arms from Česká zbrojovka under a new framework deal through 2031. The purchase includes CZ BREN 2 rifles, grenade launchers, and pistols with accessories. Minister Jana Černochová noted the ministry has signed 42,000 contracts with Czech firms since 2021. The move supports rearmament and replaces outdated NATO-standard weaponry, officials said.

Seven of 13 key food items tracked by the Czech Statistical Office rose in price in July, led by apples, up 11.4 percent to CZK 49.65/kg. Yogurt, sugar, and milk also saw month-on-month increases. Meanwhile, potatoes fell sharply, dropping 31.25% in July alone. Year-on-year, eggs are up 31.6 percent, and butter is up 19.1 percent. Statisticians noted rising agricultural producer prices, especially in fruit, dairy, and meat.

Human remains found at a Prague construction site last year have been identified as a Chinese couple murdered in 1996, police confirmed. The pair were allegedly killed by a fellow Chinese national, who fled to the Benelux region and was later murdered in the Netherlands in 1997. Police closed the case, citing the suspect’s death. The remains were discovered in the Stodůlky district during home renovations.

A planned speed limit increase to 150 km/h on the D3 highway will be delayed until October due to tender issues for variable traffic signs, Czech road officials said. The affected stretch runs between Planá nad Lužnicí and České Budějovice. Installation of signage is expected by mid-September at a cost of CZK 55 million. While most drivers support the change, experts warn it may pose risks to inexperienced motorists.

Visits to Czech sites featured in the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 surged this spring, with Suchdol seeing a 27.7 percent rise in Czech tourists, O2 data show. Young fans boosted traffic by over 300 percent in some locations. Sites like Kutná Hora and Trosky Castle are drawing more foreign tourists as well, with visitors reenacting scenes and engaging more deeply with medieval heritage, officials from CzechTourism said Wednesday.

A new outdoor exhibition on Prague’s Embankment spotlights the stories of seven political prisoners from Russia and Belarus. Launched by the Czech Foreign Ministry and NGOs including People in Need and Gulag.cz, the exhibit runs through Aug. 14. Organizers aim to raise awareness and share materials with schools nationwide. Thousands remain jailed for dissent in Russia and Belarus, often under harsh conditions, according to Czech envoy David Stulík.