News

The BIS counter-intelligence service has recently uncovered three Russian spies operating in Prague, the weekly Respekt reported on Thursday, citing official sources. One of the men was allegedly an employee of the Russian embassy in Prague. The Czech authorities have not expelled them to avoid escalating tension, but they didn’t renew their visas and residence permits. According to Respect, Moscow retaliated against the Czech Republic by denying two Czech diplomats visa renewal and access to the country.

Czech Gabriela Soukalová took the silver medal in the world championship 15 kilometre biathlon event at Kontiolahti, Finland. Soukalová had appeared destined for gold but was beaten by just over 23 seconds by Russia’s Ekaterina Yurlova. She recorded a perfect score with the rifle compared with Soukalová’s one minute penalty. The second place is still an achievement for the Czech, who has taken most of her recent medals in relay events. Soukalová has been feeling slightly ill before the event and said she did not expect to be on the winner’s podium at all.

Replacement of faulty cables in Prague’s road tunnel Blank could cost an addition 1.0 billion crowns according to an estimate by the company which supplied them, ČKD Praha DIZ, which found its way into the hands of Czech daily Lidové Noviny. The estimate was contained in a letter dispatched to Prague City Hall at the end of November which highlighted numerous problems with the ongoing construction. The letter also highlighted the danger to safety systems in the tunnel caused by the use of cables which were damaged by water although it was clear they should have been watertight. Prague City Hall has postponed opening of the tunnel indefinitely as it tries to resolve the latest problems .

Minister of Transport Dan Ťok has said he will try to ensure more repairs on motorways and highways are scheduled to take place during the night to try and curb disruption to traffic. The minister said such scheduling would mean higher bills for maintenance but delays and accidents should be curbed as a result. He was speaking after his first 100 days in office. Ťok said that complications with staging a new tender for an operator of motorway tolls for lorries would probably mean that the current controversial deal with the Austrian-based Kapsch would have to be extended. Kapsch won the original 10 year tender in 2006 with the deal under fire for the high installation and operating costs.