Czech news in brief for February 14: Saturday’s top morning headlines

Winter conditions will return to Czechia this weekend as a cold front brings freezing temperatures and widespread snowfall, forecasters say. Snowfall could reach up to 20 centimeters in parts of Silesia and northern Moravia, with 5–15 centimeters expected elsewhere. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has warned of transport disruptions and snow drifts due to strong winds. Additional snowfall is forecast early next week, especially in western regions.

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a wild gull found on Prague’s river embankment, in addition to recent cases among dead birds at Prague Zoo. Health officials say the risk to the public is very low. Authorities have traced contacts and introduced precautionary measures at the zoo, including closures and stricter hygiene rules. Residents are advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to report findings.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka pledged continued support for the Belarusian opposition during talks with exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 13. He said Foreign Ministry austerity measures will not affect programs aiding Belarusian pro-democracy efforts. Tsikhanouskaya, who left Belarus after the disputed 2020 presidential election won by Alexander Lukashenko, is seeking international backing for democratic change.

Following a devastating loss to gold medal favorite Canada on Thursday, the Czech men’s hockey team secured its first win at the Winter Olympics on Friday, defeating France 6–3. Czechia led 2–0 after the first period, but France briefly turned the game around with three quick goals. The victory keeps Czechia in contention in the group stage.

An Indian national extradited from Czechia to the United States has pleaded guilty in New York to charges tied to a murder-for-hire plot. Nikhil Gupta admitted to conspiracy and money laundering offenses linked to plans to kill a Sikh separatist in 2024. He was detained at Prague Airport in 2023 and extradited last June. Gupta faces up to 40 years in prison. India has denied involvement.