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Last year, Czech police successfully located and extradited 748 wanted individuals to EU countries, while 490 people were extradited to Czechia from other EU nations. Additionally, 19 individuals were handed over to non-EU countries, and Czech authorities received 36 fugitives from non-EU regions. This was part of the international cooperation efforts detailed by the Directorate for International Police Cooperation. Police also recovered 333 stolen vehicles in the country and helped secure events like the Football Championship in Germany and the Paris Olympics.
In 2023, the average duration of retirement in Czechia reached 24.62 years, an increase of 25 days compared to the previous year. The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) writes that this marks a significant rise from 1989, when the average time in retirement was nearly 10 years shorter. The length of time spent in retirement has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Men saw a slight increase in pension duration last year, while women experienced a slight decline. Delayed retirement age adjustments help slow the growing duration of retirement, with the retirement age expected to reach 65 by the next decade.
Firefighters have been battling a fire at the roof of the swimming stadium in Český Krumlov since this morning. The fire, affecting nearly the entire roof, is proving difficult to control as it is located in the roof's substructure. Three professional units and 13 volunteer groups are on site, and firefighters have disconnected photovoltaic panels from the roof. Fortunately, no one was inside the building. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The swimming pool is the most visited facility in the city, attracting 75,000 visitors annually.
The Czech government is moving forward with legislation that will require gun shops to report suspicious firearm and ammunition purchases to the police. The new law, supported by the parliamentary security committee, is set to be implemented by the end of the year, following delays from opposition ANO and SPD parties. This measure comes in response to a deadly shooting at Charles University in December. It will allow police to seize weapons from individuals deemed a security risk and monitor unusual purchases through the Central Firearms Register. Full legislative approval is expected by January 1, 2025.
Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents) praised Vladimír Posolda, head of the Czech intelligence agency (ÚZSI), for stabilizing the agency during a challenging period. Rakušan emphasized Posolda’s deep experience and professionalism. In an interview for the Czech Press Agency, he also defended former director Petr Mlejnek, who resigned after media criticism over ties to a key figure in the Dozimetr corruption case. Rakušan acknowledged that Mlejnek did not commit any wrongdoing and criticized the intense media campaign that led to his resignation.
The grape harvest is in full swing in Czechia, but this year's season has been challenging due to April frosts, mildew, and ongoing drought. The worst-hit regions are in Bohemia, where up to 90% of grapes were lost in some areas. In a rare exception, winemakers in the region can use grapes from Moravia to produce their wine. Moravian vineyards escaped frost but are now struggling with drought, leading to lower yields. Despite the difficult conditions, the quality of the harvested grapes remains promising, with good sugar content and acidity.
The Harvest Festival kicks off on Saturday on Letná Plain in Prague, featuring a variety of folk performances, craft demonstrations, and regional food tastings. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (Christian Democrats) will present awards to winners of the 15th Regional Food Competition for the Central Bohemian Region. The event, which is free, also includes farm animal displays and agricultural machinery exhibitions. Additionally, attendees can visit the National Agricultural Museum for free and the National Technical Museum at a reduced rate. This marks the sixth time the festival is being held on Letná.
Hundreds of people came to Theater Bez zábradlí today to pay their respects to the late actor Karel Heřmánek. The theater was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing the public to reflect on Heřmánek's life and work. Many of his colleagues, including Jaroslav Satoranský and Zuzana Stivínová, also attended. The event included a display of photos and posters from his notable roles. Heřmánek, who passed away on August 24 at the age of 76, was remembered for his long and influential career in Czech film, theater, and dubbing.
Clear to partly cloudy with possible isolated showers or thunderstorms. High temperatures will range between 28 and 32°C.
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