McDonald’s employed victims of modern slavery, an investigation has found. A criminal gang forced 16 victims to work at a branch of the burger chain in Caxton, Cambridgeshire, where they were exploited for years before police intervened. One victim was said to have worked a 30-hour shift, despite the UN’s International Labour Organization saying excessive overtime is an indicator of forced labour. The victims, whose passports were confiscated, were also forced to work in a bread factory in Hertfordshire which supplied the Co-op, Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. A criminal network led by brothers Ernest and Zdeněk Dreveňák trafficked victims from the Czech Republic and forced them to work between 70 and 100 hours a week. The two brothers were convicted in relation to this. While victims lived on a few pounds a day in cramped accommodation – including a leaking shed and an unheated caravan – police discovered their work was funding luxury cars, gold jewellery and a property in the Czech Republic for the gang. On several occasions, victims escaped and fled home only to be tracked down and trafficked back to the UK. The victims were all either homeless, unemployed or in very low paid jobs in...
The Stolpersteine project, initiated by the German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, aims to commemorate persons at the last place that they chose freely to reside before they fell victim to Nazi terror. In recent days, additional Stolpersteins have been laid at various locations around Prague. In Prague 2, for example, you can find new Stolpersteins in Anny Letenské, Italská, Španělská, Legerova, Krkonošská, Lazarská, Plavecká, and Moravská. A total of 24 new stones have been added across the city. These memorials are typically embedded in the pavement outside the victim’s last known residence. Each stone bears the name of an individual, providing a permanent reminder of their life, which was cut short by the atrocities of the Nazi regime. The concept behind the Stolpersteins is that they give back the names and dignity of those who were stripped of both when they were sent to concentration camps. The brass cubes serve as a public call for reflection—prompting passersby to pause and remember. The City of Prague has long supported this initiative, installing new Stolpersteins annually to commemorate the countless citizens who never returned home. Demnig launched the Stolperstein project in 1992 in Cologne, Germany. The first stone was laid in...
The Czech Republic holds a concerning record in the European Union, with nearly a quarter of children beginning school later than they are eligible. Now, politicians and education experts are pushing for changes to reduce school deferrals. Every year, approximately 100,000 children in the Czech Republic reach the age to begin primary school. However, as many as 25% of these children start their education a year late, at age seven instead of six. This places the Czech Republic among the EU countries with the highest rate of school deferrals. “This is overdone,” says Jan Horkel, headmaster of Pod Žvahovem Primary School in Prague. “It creates an imbalance between older and younger children in the classroom. I fully support the idea that school deferrals should only be granted with the approval of a specialist doctor or the school itself.” However, not all parents share this view. Another mother notes, “I see more and more children getting deferrals. Some kids end up spending two years in preschool, while others don’t even get a spot because the classes are full. And then, there are those ‘vacation kids,’ born later in the year, whose readiness for school is often questioned.” Every year, educators encounter...
On Sunday night, temperatures across the Czech Republic plummeted below freezing, with more cold weather forecast for the coming days. Ground frosts are expected in the early mornings, with the coldest night predicted to be Monday. According to meteorologists, the worst of the cold front is yet to come. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reports that Sunday morning saw the coldest temperatures in the Pilsen, Karlovy Vary, and northern Bohemia regions. “We are currently seeing ground frost at several stations, with temperatures hovering around 2°C at two meters above ground level,” meteorologists stated early Sunday morning. The lowest temperatures were recorded in frost basins located in the Bohemian Forest. Hliniste and Volary dropped to -2.9°C, while Březník measured -2.6°C. Kvilda, Labská bouda, and Šerák also experienced sub-zero temperatures. Despite the freezing start, daytime highs could reach 14°C in some areas, although skies will mostly remain cloudy. Meteorologists attribute the cold spell to cold air flowing from the northwest, which is expected to bring even colder conditions by Monday night. The average minimum nighttime temperature could dip to 3°C, with thermometers in some areas approaching zero. “Ground frosts are expected in numerous locations and could pose a threat to vegetables,” warned meteorologists....
After more than twenty years, the legendary Spirála Theatre, now rebranded as Nová Spirála, has reopened its doors. This iconic circular building has been transformed into a dynamic cultural space that will host A mix of performances. From the musical multimedia show Resurrection to the drama Madison Bridges, and from the variety show The Saturn Revue to a performance by the renowned tenor Pavel Černoch accompanied by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Nová Spirála offers something for everyone. The venue will also host external events such as TEDx talks and a set by Japanese DJ Ryoji Ikeda. With its diverse lineup, Nová Spirála is set to become a vibrant home for drama, musicals, new circus acts, opera, sports events, and multimedia shows. A Space Like No Other The heart of Nová Spirála is its distinctive circular hall, featuring a 360° auditorium with a seating capacity of 800. The design, dominated by a stage with a concentric turntable, offers a unique theatrical experience—every seat provides a perfect view, and nothing is hidden from the audience. Performers can enter and exit the stage directly through the audience, enhancing the sense of connection between artists and spectators. “The Spiral Theatre was significantly damaged by...
The Czech Foreign Ministry has advised Czech nationals in Lebanon to leave the country as the violence escalates between Israel and Hezbollah. On Saturday, the Israeli government said it had killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with the Israeli Defence Forces posting on X that he would “no longer be able to terrorise the world”. It comes after a series of massive explosions levelled multiple apartment buildings in Beirut on Friday night. There are currently 98 Czechs registered in the Drozd travel system in the Middle Eastern country. Ettie Higgins, Unicef’s deputy representative in Lebanon, said “thousands and thousands” of people had fled southern Beirut, while hospitals were “overwhelmed” and water pumping stations had been destroyed. “Even the most basic essential services of healthcare and water are now being rapidly, rapidly depleted,” she added. “There was already a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon given that it’s been hosting over 1 million refugees from Syria for over a decade, so it’s rapidly escalating into a catastrophe.” The Israeli army chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, told troops on Wednesday that ongoing airstrikes were “to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah”. In Brussels, European...
On 28th September Czechia commemorates the death of the Patron of the state – St Wenceslas. On 28 September Czechia celebrates Saint Wenceslas Day, officially known as the Day of Czech Statehood. Statehood Day commemorates the death of an important figure in Czech history – Duke Václav (in Czech). It was on this day back in 935 A.D. (with some sources pointing to 929) when the member of the Přemyslid dynasty Prince Wenceslas was murdered in Staré Boleslav as a result of his brother’s plot. The Patron Saint of Bohemia Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Bohemia region in Czechia. As the popular story goes, he was born in 907 as the son of the Duke of Bohemia. In 922, when Wenceslas was barely 15 years old, he took over the Bohemian throne, following the early death of his father. Himself a believing Christian, he is known for his support for the Christian faith and church and his attempts to unify the region and establish peace with the neighbouring Germanic states. However, his policies made him many enemies, as well. One of them was his own brother Boleslav who plotted to have him murdered during a mass on 28th...
In September, the first 50 employees of Prague Public Transport began testing these new uniforms. This trial period will extend for a full year to assess the functionality of the clothing in various weather and seasonal conditions, allowing experts to identify any potential issues. Designed by renowned Czech fashion consultant and designer Lenka Bernardes Da Silva from Bernardes Fashion Atelier, the uniforms represent a modern take on the traditional workwear for public transport employees. The updated uniforms consist of 22 items in the women’s set and 20 items in the men’s set, including different color variations to suit various roles and preferences. Unlike the older uniforms, whose design dates back to 1995, these new sets are far more colorful and tailored to improve both the appearance and comfort of workers. How the New Uniforms Look in Different Roles Dispatchers: Tram Drivers: Bus Drivers Metro Drivers: Cashiers and Info Kiosk Staff Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The population of the Czech Republic fell by 21,500 to 10.88 million in the first half of 2024, with deaths outnumbering births and a negative migration balance contributing to the decline. This trend mirrors a broader demographic shift, as the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) announced on Friday. The data highlights a sharp drop in births and a decline in the number of marriages compared to the same period in 2023. Significant Decline in Births The number of births in the first half of this year fell by 10% compared to the same period last year. “From January to June, 41,600 children were born alive,” said Michaela Němečková from the CZSO’s demographic statistics department. She added that the decline in births had followed a similar pattern over the past two years. Notably, the number of children born to women aged 25 to 29 dropped the most—by 15%. Deaths Continue to Outpace Births From January to June, 55,500 people died in the Czech Republic, which is 13,900 more than the number of births. However, the number of deaths was 3% lower than in the same period last year. The highest death rates were seen in men aged 75 to 79 and women...
On Thursday, September 26, Lionsgate released the first trailer for the highly anticipated action film Ballerina, a spin-off of the popular John Wick series. This action-packed movie was partially filmed in the Czech Republic during the autumn and winter of 2022, with some key scenes shot in Prague near the National Theatre. The film is slated for release on June 6, 2025. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, thrusting the focus on Eve’s origins and her relentless quest for vengeance. After her family’s brutal murder, Eve sets out to take down the ruthless hitmen responsible, utilising her skills as a ballerina and a lethal assassin. The trailer showcases Eve’s precision and style, slicing through her enemies with ease, from ice skate-wielding attacks to dousing flamethrowers with a high-powered hose. But what’s most exciting is her encounter with the legendary Baba Yaga himself, John Wick (Keanu Reeves). Reeves reprises his iconic role, playing a substantial part in the film, as confirmed by writer Shay Hatten. Keanu Reeves was spotted in Prague in November 2022, during the early stages of production....
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague has officially opened a new showroom in Strašnice. The showroom has not only undergone an architectural transformation but has also been significantly expanded to better showcase Rolls-Royce’s exclusive portfolio. The new facility is not only bigger but also features striking design elements inspired by the brand’s legacy. The entrance, for example, is modeled after the famous Rolls-Royce radiator grille, giving the building a unique, recognizable look. The showroom is located in Prague’s Strašnice district on Průběžná Street. The expanded space now includes the Cabinet of Curiosities, which showcases various rare objects linked to the brand’s history. The Atelier room displays the finest materials used in Rolls-Royce vehicles, from premium fabrics to high-quality lambswool. Pavel Kalouš, Brand Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague, described the updated showroom: “The new space provides an experience that allows customers to explore luxury in a personal way. It’s an ideal setting for helping clients design their own custom car.” Boris Weletzky, Regional Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the UK, Europe, and Central Asia, also attended the opening. He spoke about the long tradition of Rolls-Royce in setting standards for luxury: “For more than 120 years, Rolls-Royce has set new standards for...
A trip to Prague meant to be a source of joy turned into a tragedy for 31-year-old David “Dai” Richards from Wales, UK. On Saturday night, he was fatally injured in Národní třída following an altercation with another tourist. Police report that David was struck in the head with a vodka bottle. His family has described the attack as brutal and unexpected. Some relatives are currently in Prague awaiting the issuance of a death certificate, according to various British and Irish media outlets. Mr. Richards was a partner to Jola Simms and father to Aurora, four, Bear, aged two, and one-year-old Vienna. His family have shared their own tribute to “an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend”, who was the “glue of the family”. “Two groups of tourists, visiting Prague for the weekend, encountered each other on Národní třída on Saturday night. Initially, the atmosphere was friendly, and conversations flowed. However, a disagreement escalated, leading one individual to strike another with a vodka bottle. The blow was so forceful that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically passed away in the hospital,” stated police spokesman Jan Daněk. David’s family confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries at a local...
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