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Czech composer and multi-instrumentalist Karel Havlíček has long divided his time between homes and studios in Prague and Los Angeles, which he shares with his twin brother, Maxim, a fellow musician and visual artist. In recent years, he has focused mainly on writing music for television series, such as HBO Europe’s ‘Mamon’ and ‘Therapy’, and trailers for Hollywood films – including the next ‘Batman’ movie and sci-fi thriller ‘Reminiscence’ starring Hugh Jackman. But he felt most free working on his new solo album, ‘Spoken’.

The resignation of MP Dominik Feri, one of the most prominent figures in the TOP 09 party, following accusations of sexual assault and improper conduct by several women, has sparked a heated debate in the Czech Republic about sexual harassment and the country’s attitude to sexual violence.

A daring plan to kill Nazi governor of Bohemia and Moravia Reinhard Heydrich was realised 79 years ago on Thursday. Just ahead of the anniversary, a new 200-metre mural depicting Operation Anthropoid was unveiled in Prague’s Libeň at the very spot where parachutists Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš opened fire on Heydrich’s car. The artwork was created by architecture student Jakub Marek.

In reaction to last week’s hijacking of a Ryanair aircraft in order to arrest an opposition blogger, EU leaders have agreed to ramp up sanctions on Belarus and to block travel in its airspace. Belarus’ actions were also condemned by the Czech Chamber of Deputies and the government announced it is suspending Belarusian Airlines (Belavia) flights over Czech territory.

The Czech chapter of the international humanitarian and development group ADRA has launched a unique “eDrive” charity event to support projects in Africa. The destination is the Cape of Good Hope, at the tip of the continent, a return-trip just shy of 34,000 kilometres long.

For nearly 100 years, Merkur toys have been a popular component of many a child’s toy set. Its easy-to-use metal strips can be used to construct almost anything, including miniature cities, railway lines and towers. Merkur has also been praised as an educational tool. Despite being a sought after toy until this day, the story of its founder resembles that of many Czech twentieth century entrepreneurs in its tragic turn from hero to zero.

Scientists at Mendel University in Brno have developed a prototype robot that identifies insects harmful to agricultural crops and spays just enough of the right chemical to kill them. Already a “greener” solution than the blanket spraying of insecticides, it is learning to identify infestations before they fully erupt.

The Czech Republic’s fourth minister of health since the Covid pandemic hit the country, Petr Arenberger, has announced his resignation, after his financial affairs came under scrutiny. His replacement is a familiar name: former health minister Adam Vojtěch.

This Monday sees another series of restrictions lifted as the coronavirus epidemic in the Czech Republic subsides. After five months of forced closure, hotels and lodging houses are again allowed to open. Meanwhile, schools and universities across the country have been allowed to return fully to classroom teaching. The attendance cap on cultural events and sports activities has been expanded.

Jiřina Šiklová, a sociologist and Charter 77 signatory known for her efforts in smuggling forbidden texts into Communist Czechoslovakia, died on Saturday at the age of 85. One of the key voices of the Prague Spring reform movement, she was also known as a pioneer of Gender Studies in the Czech Republic.