Czech news in brief for September 29: Monday's top headlines

A large-scale rescue exercise simulating a mass traffic accident will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on a blind shoulder of the Prague Ring Road near the Brno D1 motorway, without affecting normal traffic. The exercise will involve a multi-vehicle crash, including an overturned truck and the evacuation of a bus carrying prisoners, with armed police overseeing the transfer. The Central Bohemian Medical Rescue Service explained such exercises are needed because the region contains nine highways totaling about a third of the country’s highway network.

Ukrainian journalist and human rights advocate Maksym Butkevych was today awarded the 2025 Václav Havel Prize by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Theodoros Rousopoulos. Butkevych received the prize in person after his release from Russian captivity, where he served as a platoon commander and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. He dedicated his award to Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilians, and children kidnapped by Russia, calling for continued defense of human rights.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and coalition politicians praised the victory of Moldova’s pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, tying it to the upcoming Czech elections which take place at the end of this week. PAS won over 50 percent of the vote, marking a decisive defeat for pro-Russian parties, the Central Election Commission said. Fiala called the result “great news” and a sign that Moldova will continue its European path. He urged Czech voters to reject “Russian collaborationists” in the upcoming election.

Police have arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of desecrating fifty graves at the Central Cemetery in Olomouc’s Neředín district on the night of Sept. 11. Charged with desecration of human remains, disorderly conduct, and property damage, he confessed but did not explain his motive. Initial damage estimates of CZK 400,000 were reduced to CZK 61,000 by an expert. Police said he has prior convictions and may face up to three years in prison. Investigators suspect he may have been searching for valuables.

The Czech Embassy in Moscow has been vandalized with vulgar Czech-language graffiti, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský confirmed. Ambassador Daniel Kostoval will deliver a formal protest to Russia demanding details on the perpetrators and compensation for damages. Lipavský condemned the attack, stressing states must protect diplomatic missions. Czech-Russian relations remain strained over Ukraine, with similar incidents previously occurring, such as a 2020 protest over a Soviet statue in Prague that targeted the embassy without police intervention.

Czech political leaders clashed over perceived national threats in a pre-election debate. Together, STAN, Pirates, and ANO identified Russia as the greatest danger, while Enough! blamed EU policy and SPD criticized the current government. All agreed the next prime minister’s first post-election trip should be to Slovakia. Views diverged on allies, EU veto power, and foreign policy, reflecting differing priorities among governing, opposition, and extra-parliamentary parties.

A reported 10,000 people gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square for a Million Moments for Democracy rally warning that parties like ANO and SPD could threaten Czech democracy. Speakers, including Tomáš Dvořák, Marek Vácha, and Jan Hrušínský, highlighted disinformation, Russian influence, and the importance of voting. Political scientist Miloš Brunclík said the initiative’s impact may be strongest among disappointed government and Pirate Party voters. Recent polls show ANO leading.

The Czech crown has gained significantly against major currencies over the past 30 years, analysts say, becoming resilient even in global uncertainty. Its rise followed the 1995 Foreign Exchange Act, though crises, interventions, the pandemic, and geopolitical events caused fluctuations. Experts note that high interest rates, foreign investment, and strong economic fundamentals continue to support the koruna, giving it a leading position in Central and Eastern Europe.

After a sunny weekend, the Czech Republic will see cooler temperatures this week, with daytime highs of 8–13 degrees Celsius and night frosts. Northeastern regions may experience rain, and mountains could see snow. Wednesday and Thursday will remain cold, with lows near freezing. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said temperatures will rise slightly toward the weekend, though precipitation is expected to continue. Ground frost and mixed mountain snow remain likely.

French customs seized 15,000 cartons of smuggled cigarettes, worth nearly CZK 48 million, from a vehicle driven by a 51-year-old Czech man on the A7 motorway near Montelimar. The suspect was taken into provisional customs detention Thursday and handed over to gendarmes. The Valence prosecutor’s office placed him in pre-trial custody. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday on charges related to smuggling.

Prague Castle concludes its public display of the Czech crown jewels on Sept. 28, marking the national holiday of St. Wenceslas. The exhibition included the St. Wenceslas Crown, scepter, orb, and coronation cloak, as well as a special display on their secret WWII transport to Slovakia. Officials, including the president, prime minister, parliamentary speakers, and archbishop, will open the Crown Chamber afterward for inspection and restoration. Tens of thousands have viewed the jewels historically.