News
Social Democrats tell voters to choose Communists ahead of Civic Democrats
The Social Democrats have called on their supporters to vote against the right wing Civic Democratic Party, even if that means supporting the Communists, in the second round of elections to the Senate next weekend. The Civic Democrats have candidates in run-offs to 25 of 27 constituencies, while the Social Democrats have only three. Social Democrat leader Stanislav Gross said his party's aim was to prevent the Civic Democrats winning a sufficient majority in the Senate to be able to change the Constitution.
"Anti-terrorist" law may be in the pipeline
The Cabinet is to debate a change of legislation which would help the police and intelligence services in the fight against terrorism. Interior minister Frantisek Bublan said at a press briefing in Prague on Tuesday that he was not ruling out the possibility of a new "anti-terrorist" law. The Cabinet will assess the present powers of the police and intelligence services and on the grounds of an expertise propose the necessary changes. According to the Interior Minister, in terrorist related cases, the police might have to act first and get court approval for their actions later.
Police want to charge Sladek
The police want to charge the former ultra right republican leader Miroslav Sladek with damaging creditors. During his years in office, Sladek indebted the party heavily, although according to the police, he must have known that the party would be unable to meet its obligations. It now owes more than 40 million crowns. If found guilty, Sladek could face up to 5 years in prison.
Czech rock group mark anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall with concert for Cuban opposition
The Czech rock group Prazsky Vyber are playing a special concert in support of Cuba's opposition and to mark the 15th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The group - whose leader Michael Kocab was a dissident and oversaw the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Czechoslovakia - are performing in Florida and the concert is being broadcast to Cuba by the opposition TV station, Marti.
After 18 games without defeat Sparta Prague beaten by Mlada Boleslav
The leaders of the Czech football league, Sparta Prague, have suffered a shock 1:0 home defeat to Mlada Boleslav, who won promotion to the first division last season. It was Sparta's first loss in 18 games and since the appointment of Frantisek Straka as manager. Sparta are three points ahead of second-placed Teplice.
Weather:
Wednesday should be overcast with scattered rain or snow showers and day temperatures between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius. The first heavy snowfall on Monday night caused 65 accidents. The police have requested drivers to exercise caution and not head for the mountains without winter tires and chains.
