Communist sentenced
The week's news at a glance.
Prague
A former Czech Communist official who was appealing his four-year prison sentence for aiding the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia was slapped with a six-year sentence instead. Last year, Karel Hoffmann was found guilty of sabotage for ordering state radio and TV to cease broadcasting as Soviet tanks rolled into the country in 1968 to crush the “Prague Spring” socialist reform movement. Hoffmann’s order left most Czechs and Slovaks with no way of knowing what was happening. In his appeal, Hoffmann argued that his trial was politically motivated. The appeals court responded this week by adding two years to his sentence.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellation
Cartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop scene
In the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle