Country begins three days of mourning

The Czech Republic has begun three days of mourning in honour of its late president Václav Havel. State institutions are flying black flags with others at half-mast. Concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances have been largely cancelled, and casinos and gambling bars are closed. Prime Minister Petr Nečas has asked businesses and all citizens to reconsider celebratory events that could be inappropriate. A day of mourning was last declared in 2001 to honour the victims of the attacks of September 11. Slovakia will hold a day of mourning for the passing of its former president on Friday.

The first president of the Czech Republic, the last president of Czechoslovakia, and foremost a humanist of world renown, Václav Havel died in his sleep on Sunday at his cottage in Northern Bohemia. He was 75 years old.