Czech news in brief for August 19: Tuesday’s top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel said Sunday he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but has reservations about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, calling some “unsustainable.” Pavel stressed the need for urgent action to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and plans talks with experts and Prime Minister Petr Fiala later this month. His remarks mark a contrast with the government’s nearly unconditional support for Israel.

Two-thirds of Czechs support allowing gays and lesbians to adopt children from institutional care, while 64% back marriage equality, according to a CVVM survey released Sunday. Four in five support adoption of a partner’s child, and 85% approve of registered partnerships. Support is higher among women, younger people, and those with higher education. Respondents with gay friends expressed greater acceptance than those without such acquaintances.

Czech diplomatic staff have resumed operations at the country’s embassy in Tehran after its temporary closure in June due to the Israel-Iran conflict, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday. The first group of personnel is already in place, with more to follow. Czechia also plans to reestablish a presence in North Korea this fall and expand its Kinshasa embassy’s mandate to cover neighboring African states.

A Prague court has ordered the animal rights group Obraz to apologize to the Albert supermarket chain for campaign claims that its chickens were “deformed, burned, suffocating and sick.” Judges said the statements could mislead consumers, though footage from farms may remain public. Obraz plans to appeal, arguing its campaign reflects reality and citing freedom of expression. Albert welcomed the ruling as a key protection of its reputation.

Officials said Monday that the unique fluorite caves beneath Snežnik mountain are opening to the general public for the first time. Guided tours, previously limited to experts, will now run on the first Saturdays in September and October. To protect the site, capacity will be capped at 20 people per tour. The 650-meter-long caverns, formed in mining tunnels, maintain a steady temperature of eight degrees Celsius.