News
President Klaus makes strong attack on European Constitution
The Czech president, Vaclav Klaus, has said he is "one hundred percent against" the proposed European Constitution, saying it created a new legal, constitutional and political "European state". Speaking at a conference in Berlin on Saturday, Mr Klaus said the constitution would lead to a loss of national identity, sovereignty and political independence. It was one of the strongest statements yet from the president, who has been a frequent critic of European integration.
Kosovo Albanian gang planned to murder state attorney, say police
Police in west Bohemia have raided a Kosovo Albanian crime gang they say were preparing to kill a female state prosecutor from Pilsen. A police spokesperson said the prosecutor had been investigating the gang's activities.
Skromach outlines plans for Social Democrats at Brno meeting
Zdenek Skromach on Saturday outlined his policies to a meeting of the ruling Social Democrats in Brno, a few days after he announced he would stand against acting chairman Stanislav Gross for the leadership of the party. Mr Skromach is expected to dissolve the present coalition with the Christian Democrats and the Freedom Union if he wins the post at a party conference in April. Mr Skromach is supported by former Social Democrat leader Milos Zeman, who is critical of Mr Gross.
Czech hiker dies in Low Tatras
The body of a Czech hiker has been found in the Low Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. On Friday the man and two others got lost on a mountain trail and were swept into a valley by strong winds. Rescue workers managed to save two of the party, one of whom was suffering from frostbite.
Man found guilty of setting fire to other man's Santa Claus mask
A 21-year-old man from near Jihlava has received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of over 100,000 crowns after being found guilty of setting fire to the beard on another man's Santa Claus mask last December. The victim suffered burns to 13 percent of his body after the incident, which occurred in a nightclub holding a 'best Santa Claus mask' competition.
Jagr off to losing start at new club in Russian league
Czech ice hockey megastar Jaromir Jagr has got off to a losing start at his new club Omsk, after the Russian league team were beaten 2:1 by Khimik Voskresensk on Friday. Jagr, playing in Europe because of an NHL lockout, recently attracted large crowds in the Czech Republic when he appeared at the club at which he started his career, Kladno.
Gales cause power cuts in north Moravia
Around 135,000 consumers in north Moravia were left without electricity after strong winds hit the region on Friday. Branches fell on power lines and trees and poles were uprooted by the gales. On Saturday there was snow in most parts of the Czech Republic.
Weather
Sunday should be cloudy with snow showers in many parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to range from minus 2 to plus 2 degrees Celsius.
