Czech news in brief for February 21: Friday’s top headlines

Nové Město na Moravě will host annual Biathlon World Cup races until at least 2030, the International Biathlon Union announced this afternoon. The Vysočina Arena will hold events in 2029 and 2030, continuing its tradition as a top venue. Czech Biathlon Association head Jiří Hamza called the extension a tribute to organizers and fans. This year’s races run from March 6 to 9. Also new in the 2026/27 and 2028/29 seasons will be post-Christmas races in Pokljuka, Slovenia.

A 72-year-old man attacked two relatives with a knife at a funeral in the town of Kutná Hora today causing minor hand injuries, police said. He fled but was detained within 15 minutes. Authorities are investigating the motive. The incident follows a fatal knife attack in Hradec Králové last week, where a 16-year-old killed two saleswomen. The funeral attacker’s motive is unknown at the moment.

Police in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland arrested 13 people linked to an international cocaine trafficking ring, authorities said Wednesday. Ten Czechs were detained in the Ostrava region, where they allegedly distributed drugs. The group imported cocaine from Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland while exporting marijuana to Poland. Investigators say the suspects smuggled 10 kilograms of cocaine into the country over the past year.

Czech police uncovered a 60-member group accused of counterfeiting banknotes and circulating them, causing damages of CZK 4.5 million. Investigators say the suspects, mainly from the town of Aš, used ATMs to exchange fake bills for real money from March 2023 to December 2024. Some suspects are already in prison for other crimes. Authorities have been investigating the case for over two years.

A 16-year-old boy charged with double murder in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, has confessed, police said today. Authorities stated he had no prior criminal record and was not under the influence of substances. The suspect, who lived with his mother, reportedly stole the murder weapon from a store. Investigators have ordered psychiatric and psychological evaluations as the case continues. Police have not disclosed a possible motive yet.

Police evacuated Prague’s Palladium shopping center on Republic Square Friday morning after receiving an anonymous bomb threat. Authorities urged visitors to avoid the area as bomb disposal experts conduct a search of the building. Few customers were present, as most stores had not yet opened. Firefighters are assisting police with the investigation. Authorities have asked the public to follow on-site instructions.

A 16-year-old Czech boy has been charged with double murder after fatally stabbing two female shop assistants in a store Wednesday morning, police said. The victims, aged 19 and 38, appeared to be randomly targeted. The suspect fled but was arrested shortly after. Authorities ruled out terrorism. Police are seeking to remand him in custody.

Czech police have opened criminal proceedings against SPD leader Tomio Okamura and his party over election posters allegedly inciting hatred. The controversial campaign, featuring xenophobic imagery, sparked backlash ahead of last year’s elections. Okamura, who could face up to three years in prison, denies wrongdoing, calling it a free speech issue. The SPD accuses the government of suppressing opposition ahead of upcoming elections.

Prague’s tram network will expand beyond city limits for the first time, with a new line connecting Kobylisy to Zdí and Sedlec in Central Bohemia. Officials estimate completion by 2029, aiming to ease congestion. The 5.2-km route will feature eight stops and a parking garage for 800 cars. The project, costing over CZK 5 billion, recently secured key permits.

A new mural by Czech street artist Timo, featuring the Ukrainian word for “action” in black on a white background, now adorns Lviv’s bus station. The piece symbolizes resilience and Czech-Ukrainian cooperation, the Lviv Institute for Cultural Strategy said. Timo, known for poetic graffiti, plans a Czech version in Brno, where he resides.

Czech ski resorts are experiencing the best conditions of the season, with frosty, sunny weather and ample snow. Major resorts, including Špindlerův Mlýn and Klínovec, report near-full operation, while cross-country skiing is ideal in mountain areas. Operators say this could be one of the best seasons in years. While some warming is forecast, resorts have stockpiled technical snow to extend operations into spring.