New law allows arms ads

A new advertising law in the Czech Republic will for the first time allow companies to openly advertise military equipment. Newspapers and other public media will be permitted to advertise everything from missile launchers to bullets to landmines. The new law, which takes effect in June, toughens restrictions on tobacco, drugs and health-care advertising as part of the Czech Republic's effort to harmonise its laws with the European Union. However, rules covering military goods were softened, and according to experts, advertisers will be able to "present the arms trade as a normal business that helps to increase state income."