PRAGUE (AP) — Lawmakers in the lower house of the Czech Parliament were set to decide on Thursday whether to lift Prime Minister Andrej Babiš ’ immunity from prosecution in a $2 million fraud case involving European Union subsidies.
The approval would allow Prague’s Municipal Court to deal with the case and issue a verdict. The court had acquitted Babiš twice before but an appeals court canceled those rulings, saying they did not properly assess evidence and requested the lower court issue a guilty verdict in a retrial.
Babiš had pleaded not guilty and said the case “is clearly politically motivated.” The prosecution had originally requested a suspended sentence and a fine to be paid by the populist billionaire, who began his third term as prime minister in December.
The case centered around a farm known as the Stork’s Nest, which received EU subsidies after its ownership was transferred from the Babiš-owned Agrofert conglomerate to Babiš’ family members. Later, Agrofert again took ownership of the farm.
The subsidies were meant for small and medium enterprises, meaning that Agrofert wouldn’t have been eligible. The conglomerate later returned the subsidy.
Babiš’ former associate Jana Nagyová, who signed the subsidy request, will face retrial. She is currently a member of European Parliament, which has already lifted her immunity.
Babiš returned to power after his ANO, or YES, movement won big in an October election, forming a governing coalition with two small political groups, the Freedom and Direct Democracy anti-migrant party and the right-wing Motorists.
The coalition’s agenda includes steering the country away from supporting Ukraine and rejecting some key European Union policies.
Czech Republic's Prime Minister Andrej Babis smiles during a meeting of the lower house of the Czech Parliament that is to decide whether to lift the populist' immunity from prosecution in a fraud case involving European Union subsidies, in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Czech Republic's Prime Minister Andrej Babis smiles during a meeting of the lower house of the Czech Parliament that is to decide whether to lift the populist' immunity from prosecution in a fraud case involving European Union subsidies, in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 5, 2026--
Unicharm Corporation (TOKYO: 8113) is accelerating its business operations to bridge the global gender gap while fostering sustainable economic growth under its corporate brand essence, "Love Your Possibilities." In conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8, the company is moving beyond simple awareness-raising to address physiological constraints, such as menstruation, as "structural social challenges." Unicharm is proud to announce its latest initiatives to support women’s education and employment through the provision of products and educational programs in Brazil, Indonesia, and Kenya—a market the company is now entering in earnest.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260305954347/en/
Regional Initiatives by Unicharm Group
1. [Brazil] Full-Scale Launch of ‘SOFY’ to Support Increasing Female Workforce Participation
Unicharm will launch its sanitary napkin brand ‘SOFY’ in the Brazilian market, where female employment rates are rising rapidly alongside economic development.
-Uniqueness and Market Adaptation: To reach Brazil's trend-conscious youth, Unicharm has opened an official TikTok Shop to communicate its brand value directly to consumers.
2. [Indonesia] Respecting Culture and Eliminating "Discomfort"
In Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, Unicharm conducts educational activities that are deeply respectful of local culture and customs.
-Ramadan Connection: On March 4, 2026, as part of a series of events during the fasting month (Ramadan), Unicharm provided "First Menstruation Education" to approximately 60 students at an Islamic high school.
-Background: By respecting religious and cultural contexts while providing accurate knowledge about menstruation, Unicharm aims to realize a "cohesive society" where women can live as they wish in any environment.
3. [Kenya] Establishing a Strategic Hub for East Africa and Investing in the Next Generation
Based on a long-term growth scenario for the East African region, Unicharm plans to establish a new subsidiary, “Sofy East Africa Limited,” in the Republic of Kenya in April 2026.
-Social Context and Risk Mitigation: In areas such as Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, "period poverty" remains a critical issue that deprives girls of educational opportunities.
-Specific Action: On January 25, 2026, Unicharm co-hosted a girls' soccer tournament with over 150 participants. The event combined sports to boost self-esteem with essential menstrual health education.
Future Outlook
Gender disparities in education and employment opportunities persist in many parts of the world. Unicharm will continue to provide products, services, and educational activities to ensure that women can lead their lives without discomfort or limitations caused by menstruation. We remain committed to creating opportunities for women’s education and social participation, ultimately leading to the improvement of women's social status.
Supporting the Future of Girls Through Sports and Menstrual Education in Kenya
First Menstruation Education in Indonesia
Sanitary napkins scheduled for launch in Brazil
