News: Sunday, July 6th, 2025

Anniversary of Jan Hus’s martyrdom marked by prayers for peace and unity

A commemorative service was held today in Bethlehem Chapel in Prague to mark the 610th anniversary of Jan Hus’s death. The medieval church reformer preached at the chapel before he was burned at the stake in 1415 in Constance for his beliefs. This year’s service included prayers for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and also for fairness during the upcoming Czech election campaign. Bishop David Tonzar stressed the need for unity and reflection on truth and justice. Hymns from Hus’s era were performed, including Ktož jsú boží bojovníci by Prague Castle Brass.

Cybercrime cases drop for the first time since the pandemic

Police in Czechia investigated fewer cybercrime cases last year, recording 18,500 incidents—1,000 fewer than in 2023. This marks the first year-on-year decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a newly published annual report by the criminal police. The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office says online fraud remains the most common type of cybercrime, including scams involving fake bank alerts, investment traps, and romance frauds. Authorities suggest that last year’s drop may be partly due to awareness campaigns led not only by the police but also by banks and other state institutions.

Despite slight drop, opposition ANO Party still leads

The opposition ANO Party would win the upcoming parliamentary elections with 30.9% of the vote, according to the latest STEM poll for CNN Prima News—down one percentage point from last week. The governing Together  (Spolu) coalition also saw a slight dip to 20.5%. In contrast, support grew for the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy Party, now polling at 13.9%, and for the Mayors and Independents (STAN), who rose to 12.3%—one of their best results in recent times. Elections are scheduled for October 3 and 4. STEM analysts say the so-called bitcoin scandal may have a lingering impact on voter preferences.

Beats for Love festival breaks attendance record with 164,000 visitors

The electronic dance music festival Beats for Love in Ostrava set a new attendance record this year, drawing 164,000 people over four days—surpassing last year’s total of 162,000. On both Friday and Saturday, 45,000 fans filled the industrial grounds of Dolní Vítkovice. Festival director Kamil Rudolf called it “possibly our best edition ever,” highlighting positive reactions to both the lineup and the redesigned festival area. More than 550 artists performed on 18 stages, including headliners like Axwell, A.M.C & Koven, Richie Hawtin, and John Newman. Organizers partly credit the record turnout to an extended ticket validity offer after a last-minute cancellation.

Lionel Richie returns to Prague with greatest hits show

American soul legend Lionel Richie is performing tonight at Prague’s O2 Arena as part of his European tour Say Hello To The Hits. It marks his first appearance in the Czech capital since 2012, when he thrilled fans with hits like Hello, All Night Long, and Say You, Say Me. Richie began his career with The Commodores in the late 1960s before launching a hugely successful solo path. With over 125 million records sold, four Grammys, and an Oscar to his name, he remains one of music’s most enduring stars. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Foreign stars lit up the second day of the Karlovy Vary film festival

American actor and producer Michael Douglas landed in Karlovy Vary and presented the newly restored version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the first film he ever produced. He greeted fans on the red carpet and accepted the current version of the award he originally received at the festival in 1998. Fellow Hollywood star Dakota Johnson also arrived and is set to present the romantic comedy Splitsville and receive the Festival President’s Award on Sunday. Actress Vicky Krieps introduced the Cannes-acclaimed film Love Me Tender, while Peter Sarsgaard will appear later tonight. Stellan Skarsgård is expected in the second half of the festival.

Czech pentathlete Lukeš takes silver in World Cup final in Egypt

Czech modern pentathlete Matěj Lukeš achieved the best result of his career with a silver medal at the World Cup final in Alexandria. The 23-year-old surged to second place behind Egypt’s Mutaz Mohamed, finishing just nine seconds and nine points behind the winner. Lukeš, who had never placed higher than 12th in the series before, credited his success to an empty mind and strong finish. His best event was the obstacle course, now a key part of the sport following the removal of horse riding. Fellow Czech Marek Grycz placed eleventh.

Weather

The day will start mostly cloudy, with rain expected mainly in the southeastern half of the country. Elsewhere, rain will be isolated. As the day progresses, skies will gradually clear from the west to more variable cloud cover, especially in Bohemia where scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms may develop. Afternoon temperatures will range from 20 to 24 °C, reaching up to 26 °C in parts of Bohemia.