Former North Dakota Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Europe for Sex with Minor

Former North Dakota lawmaker Ray Holmberg pleaded guilty to traveling to Europe with the intent to pay for sex with a minor. He admitted to paying young male masseuses during multiple visits to the Czech Republic. Holmberg resigned after being indicted for illicit sexual activity and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Train Collision in Czech Republic

A passenger train collision in the Czech Republic resulted in at least four deaths and 27 injuries. The crash occurred in Pardubice, east of Prague, involving a high-speed passenger train and a freight train. The main track between Prague and the eastern part of the country had to be closed for investigation.

Extradition of Indian Man Linked to Plot to Kill Sikh Activist

A group of Sri Lankan nationals were apprehended in India over alleged links to ISIS. The Czech Constitutional Court rejected a petition by an Indian man trying to avoid extradition to the United States for his alleged involvement in a plot to kill a Sikh separatist in the U.S.

Czech Republic's Gender-Affirmation Law

Czech Republic's highest court rules to dismiss part of a law requiring gender-affirmation surgery and sterilization to change gender officially. The requirements were deemed unconstitutional and in conflict with the fundamental rights of trans people.

Mistaken Abortion in Czech Republic

A healthy woman in Czech Republic was mistakenly sedated and given an abortion instead of a routine check-up. The hospital apologized and is investigating the incident. Both women involved were foreign nationals of Asian heritage. The incident sparked outrage and calls for compensation.

Czech Republic Parliament Rejects Same-Sex Marriage

The lower house of Parliament in the Czech Republic rejected same-sex marriage but affirmed existing partnerships for gay couples. The legislation also prohibits same-sex couples from adopting children.