Czech news in brief for February 22: Saturday’s top headlines

Thousands of skiers flocked to Krkonoše ski resorts this morning, filling parking lots at Janské Lázně, Černý Důl, and Špindlerův Mlýn. With clear skies and ideal conditions, the resorts offer up to 140 cm of snow. Skiers can enjoy all open slopes, including 44 km of trails at SkiResort Černá hora-Pec. Snow coverage on mountain peaks reaches 90-150 cm. Skiers in Špindlerův Mlýn can access 28 km of trails today.

Police in Jevíčko, in Czechia’s Pardubice Region, are investigating the discovery of two deceased individuals. Authorities confirmed there is no threat to the public but have not yet released further details. Emergency responders arrived before 11 a.m. and found both individuals without signs of life. The cause of death remains unknown, and police will provide more information as the investigation progresses.

Petr Kolář, former ambassador to the US and Russia and current advisor to the Czech president, believes that Putin’s desires are being realized as Donald Trump’s actions signal a shift in US foreign policy. Kolář argues that Trump’s approach to Russia, including potentially easing sanctions and seeking cooperation with Russia against China, undermines Europe’s security and interests. He warns that Europe should look to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan as new allies.

In 2024, a record 430,000 people relied on food banks in Czechia, marking a 7 percent increase from the previous year. The rising demand for food assistance has also led to a 20 percent increase in the amount of goods distributed, totaling 16,600 tons. Most of the food comes from retailers, producers, and donations. A growing number of distribution points has allowed food banks to directly serve those in need, particularly families with young children, single parents, and seniors.

Czech exports to Ukraine totaled CZK 44.7 billion CZK last year, marking a 25 percent increase from two years ago and a 50 percent rise compared to 2021, before the Russian invasion. Imports from Ukraine grew by 7.5 percent to CZK 32.9 billion, but were 12 percent lower than in 2021. Despite challenges like workforce shortages and wartime disruptions, Czech companies continue to see demand for goods like medical supplies and construction materials from Ukraine.

The annual St. Matthew’s Fair (Matějská pouť) opens today at Prague’s Výstaviště Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice, running until April 21. Visitors can enjoy around 100 attractions, with the most expensive ride costing 250 CZK. Entry is free on weekdays and 30 CZK on weekends and holidays. The fair operates from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. A special children’s day for disadvantaged kids is set for March 17.

Prague’s Palladium shopping mall was evacuated for seven hours Friday after an anonymous bomb threat, police said. Bomb squads found no explosives, and the mall reopened at 3 p.m. The incident follows two recent hoaxes at the nearby Municipal House, including one that disrupted the Czech Ball. The German-owned Palladium, one of Prague’s largest malls, may soon be sold for an estimated CZK 17.5 billion.

A new Data Collect poll for Czech Television shows that 77 percent of Czechs support humanitarian aid for Ukraine, while 66 percent back diplomatic efforts. However, a majority favors limiting arms supplies, and 60 percent support a ceasefire even if Ukraine loses territory. The survey also found 61 percent favor tougher sanctions on Russia, but most doubt their effectiveness. The poll was conducted February 10-14.

Several dozen people marched through Prague on Friday to mark the seventh anniversary of the murder of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. The event included a candlelight vigil and messages from their parents. Their 2018 killing sparked mass protests in Slovakia. Courts have convicted three people, but key suspect Marián Kočner was acquitted again last year.

The Czech antitrust office has launched an investigation into the Defence Ministry’s purchase of three Skyspotter unmanned helicopters following a complaint from drone manufacturer Primoco, Deník N reports. The ministry awarded the contract without a tender, citing legal exemptions. However, concerns have arisen over a possible conflict of interest involving a deputy defense minister who previously worked for the contractor.

The Prague 4 District Court has returned the extortion case involving former IKEM director Michal Stiborek and two colleagues to prosecutors, citing procedural errors. Investigators from the General Inspection of Security Corps (GIBS) lacked jurisdiction, as no police officers were implicated. The accused allegedly blackmailed top cardiac surgeons Jan Pirk and Ivan Netuka with forged documents. Prosecutors may appeal the decision.