News
Legendary World War II pilot Frantisek Perina dies
One of the greatest Czech heroes of World War II, General Frantisek Perina, has died in Prague at the age of 95. General Perina won a reputation as an excellent fighter pilot during the Battles of France and Britain, but was forced out of the Czechoslovak Army by the Communists after the war. He went into exile in 1949 and spent many years in Britain and the United States before returning to the Czech Republic in 1993. The general received many state honours both at home and abroad, including the Czech Order of the White Lion.
Prague court exonerates pilot victim of Communist show trials
A court in Prague has exonerated another Czech World War II pilot, Josef Bryks, Mlada fronta Dnes reported. After serving with the RAF and spending time in a German prisoner-of-war camp, Bryks was sentenced to hard labour in a Communist show trial; he died in the 1950s while working in a uranium mine. His English-born widow Trudie Bryks said it was ironic it had taken so many years for the sentence to be rescinded. The Confederation of Political Prisoners has asked the president to grant the pilot a posthumous state honour.
Celebrations mark liberation of Plzen by US troops in 1945
Celebrations have been taking place in Plzen to mark its liberation by United States soldiers on May 6, 1945. American jeeps were driven around the centre of the west Bohemian city, while many people donned US Army uniforms. But organisers say the turnout was considerably lower than for the 60th anniversary last year. Some ceremonies marking the end of the war were also held in Prague. Monday - Victory in Europe Day - is a state holiday in the Czech Republic.
Rath says Social Democrats could support Civic Democrat minority government
Health Minister David Rath says he does not rule out the possibility of a Civic Democrat minority government supported by his Social Democrats. Speaking in Lidove noviny, Mr Rath said that was one possible variant, and would be better than a "grand coalition" of the Civic and Social Democrats. However, his party colleague Bohuslav Sobotka said such a configuration was not being discussed by the Social Democrats: he said if they cannot form a government it would be better to go into opposition. The Civic Democrats continue to head the polls four weeks ahead of the elections.
Not quite a flying start for Czech ice hockey team at World Championships
The Czech ice hockey team got off to a less-than-ideal start at the World Championships on Friday night, drawing 1:1 with host nation Latvia. Coach Alois Hadamczik said the team had failed to take advantage of their powerplays, and were poor in both passing and shooting. The Czech Republic's next game is against Slovenia on Sunday.
Weather
It should remain mostly sunny over the next few days, though storms have been forecast for some parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to remain at around 20 degrees Celsius.
