News

MP and priest Svatopluk Karasek was among dozens of participants in a marathon of reading from the New Testament of the Bible on a Prague street on Saturday. Organisers said the aim of the event, which was being held for the second time, was to bring the Bible closer to people.

Roman Sebrle has been named Czech Sportsperson of the Year at a ceremony in Prague. Sebrle, who took gold in the decathlon at the Athens Olympic Games, finished ahead of footballer Milan Baros and high-jumper Jaroslav Baba in the poll of Czech sports journalists.

The largest party in the governing coalition, the Social Democrats, has been thrown into turmoil by the news the head of its deputies group has threatened to step down if there is not more unity in the party. Petr Ibl said he was considering resigning because of his disgust at the situation within the party and recent criticism from chairman Stanislav Gross. The Social Democrats, who have been led by Mr Gross since the summer, have suffered defeats in various elections this year.

A man whose two Rottweiler dogs attacked an eight-year-old girl and her father last month has been arrested. The newspaper Pravo reported the girl would suffer permanent scarring as a result of the attack. If the dogs' owner is found responsible he could face up to two years in prison. The lower house this week rejected a bill which would have introduced tougher sentences for people whose dogs cause death or serious injury.