Mayor: Anti-terrorism measures in Prague concerned Jewish sites

Prague's Mayor Pavel Bem has confirmed that anti-terrorism measures taken in Prague - relaxed recently - came in connection with celebrations of the Jewish New Year. Mr Bem made the statement on Friday, saying that that Jewish facilities in the city centre had been considered potential targets. Until now, politicians had avoided officially confirming speculation by the media concerning potential attacks.

Last month the Civic Democrat minority government led by Mirek Topolanek issued extraordinary security measures after the cabinet received supposedly concrete information about the threat of potential attacks. The security measures were softened at the beginning of this week. Policemen continue monitoring some buildings in the capital, though their number has been lowered. Deputy police president Jan Brazda revealed that police concluded the situation had improved considerably.

Author: Jan Velinger