News of Radio Prague
President Havel visits site of World Trade Centre
President Vaclav Havel, who is on a six-day official visit to the United States, has visited the site of the World Trade Center in New York. Mr Havel said that the September 11 attacks had been an attack not only on the United States but on the whole of humanity and civilisation. President Havel was also due to hold talks with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. A reception is being held in Mr Havel's honour on Friday evening, and will feature a concert involving Placido Domingo, Lou Reed and former US president Bill Clinton.
Britain deports 48 Czech asylum seekers
Great Britain deported some 48 Czech asylum seekers on Friday and plans to deport more in the coming week, Ladislav Balaz of the Trans Europa Roma Federation told reporters. Meanwhile, the British Home Office said it had flown 28 Czech citizens home two weeks ago. The number of Czechs seeking asylum in Britain - most of whom are Romanies - is constantly increasing, according to UK authorities. The Romanies say they suffer violence and constant discrimination in the Czech Republic.
Final depositions heard in trial of former high-ranking communist officials
The final depositions have been heard in the trial of two former high-ranking communist officials. Milous Jakes, who is now 80, and Jozef Lenart, 79, face charges of assisting treason, for their part in the Soviet-led invasion of 1968. The two men attempted to 'legalise' the invasion by forming a 'workers' government. A verdict in the trial is expected on Monday.
Post-flood state of alert extended to end of October in several Prague districts
The state of alert in many areas of Prague after August's floods has been extended until the end of October, the city's mayor Igor Nemec announced on Friday. People in the affected districts can apply for official help in dealing with flood damage, while the authorities can order the demolition of unsafe buildings.
Police accuse prison psychologist of taking bribes for false mental appraisals
The police are planning to ask the state attorney to file charges against a psychologist at Prague's Pankrac prison for taking bribes to provide false appraisals of the mental state of inmates. Police say the psychologist, who is 56, has received three quarters of a million Czech crowns in such bribes. She could face up to eight years in prison if found guilty.
Weather
It should be cloudy with showers in places this weekend; temperatures are expected to reach 18 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 15 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
