Czech news in brief for April 5: Sunday’s top morning headlines

Today is Easter Sunday, one of the most important days in the Christian calendar commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Churches across the country hold festive Masses, with some parishes also blessing traditional Easter foods. While rooted in religious observance, it is also linked to Czech folk traditions, including shared meals after fasting and seasonal customs tied to the arrival of spring; larger celebrations take place on Easter Monday.

Czech police have charged another person in connection with the arson attack on an arms factory in Pardubice, where a warehouse was destroyed last month. Authorities also detained a suspect in Bulgaria and plan to seek extradition. Investigators say those involved face terrorism-related charges and include foreign nationals. Police believe more suspects are still at large and are cooperating internationally to track them down.

Thieves broke into two ATMs in Prague’s Opatovská Street early Saturday, stealing several million crowns and fleeing on electric scooters, police said. The attack occurred around 4:30 a.m., with evidence suggesting explosives were used. Authorities are searching for at least two suspects who may have traveled dozens of kilometers. Police and banks are cooperating on the investigation, noting such explosive ATM attacks are rare in Czechia.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth said it may take legal action against Foreign Minister Petr Macinka after he labeled the organization “terrorist.” The dispute follows comments tied to potential cuts in state subsidies. The NGO rejected the accusation as unacceptable and damaging to its reputation. The case highlights tensions between government officials and environmental groups ahead of a planned protest in Prague on April 19.

Two Czech women were rescued in Austria’s Dachstein mountains after becoming stranded in deep snow while hiking from Hallstatt to Gosau. The pair, aged 21 and 28, underestimated winter conditions on a marked route that became impassable above 870 meters. They became exhausted at around 1,210 meters and called emergency services. Mountain rescue teams located them off-trail after a two-hour search and brought them safely back to the valley. Both declined medical treatment.