Czech news in brief for April 22: Tuesday’s top headlines

Czech lawmakers resumed debate Monday on a sweeping criminal law reform aimed at easing prison overcrowding and reducing state costs. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek said the bill would increase the use of fines instead of prison sentences, excluding serious violent crimes. The reform also proposes decriminalizing small-scale cannabis cultivation and reducing penalties for alimony defaulters and online speech. Tougher measures are planned for hate crimes and deepfake pornography. Amendments can be submitted during the second reading.

Cardinal Dominik Duka praised Pope Francis’ global focus on poverty and aid, calling it a major legacy in remarks to Czech Television. The emeritus Prague archbishop highlighted Francis’ grassroots approach, shaped by the Latin American Church. Duka, who will not vote in the next papal conclave due to age, said Francis made emotionally driven decisions that positively influenced society and refocused the Church’s mission toward the world’s most vulnerable.

Intense storms swept through the southern and eastern Bohemian-Moravian Highlands on Monday, dropping over 30 millimeters of rain in a short period. Jemnice recorded 34 millimeters within an hour, meteorologists said. While storms are unlikely through Wednesday morning, forecasters expect increased cloud cover and possible thunderstorms in the Beskydy region later Wednesday. Isolated storms and showers may follow across the Czech Republic in the afternoon and evening, according to the forecast.

Prague has begun testing 5G technology to monitor and manage traffic near the Blanka Tunnel and Prague 6 ring road exits, officials said Tuesday. The project aims to optimize traffic light control and improve response to disruptions. Autonomous detectors will collect real-time data, enabling better regulation of vehicle entry points. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib said the system should help maintain smooth traffic flow amid rising car numbers in the capital and during emergencies.

Prague 10 will restore its emergency medical service in mid-January, three years after it was canceled due to financial concerns, officials announced Tuesday. The city district has issued a tender for an operator and plans to fund the service from its own budget, seeking municipal subsidies as well. The move aims to improve healthcare access, with services running evenings and weekends. The original facilities closed in 2019, forcing residents to rely on hospitals in other districts.