News
Social Democrats in turmoil as head of deputies group threatens resignation
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.
Senior Prague police officers arrested by Interior Ministry inspectors
Two senior Prague police officers have been arrested by a team of inspectors from the Interior Ministry. But neither the Ministry nor the state prosecutor has revealed what crime the two are accused of. The daily Mlada fronta Dnes speculated they had been arrested in connection with an investigation into ties between the police and crime gangs.
Man arrested after his Rottweilers attack eight-year-old girl, man
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.
Writer Arnost Lustig receives lifetime achievement award
The writer Arnost Lustig has been awarded the Vladislav Vancura Award for life-long achievement by the Czech Film and Television Union at a ceremony in the central Bohemian town of Beroun. Mr Lustig is a Holocaust survivor who studied journalism at Charles University before working for a time at Czech Radio. He has written numerous screenplays and novels and now teaches writing in the United States.
Jakub Janda reaches podium yet again in ski jumping World Cup
The Czech ski-jumper Jakub Janda confirmed his recent good form by coming third in a World Cup event in Engelberg, Switzerland on Saturday. Janda remains in second place in the overall rankings in the ski jumping World Cup.
Former Sparta Prague manager denies being sacked for taking cocaine
Frantisek Straka, who was dismissed this week as manager of Sparta Prague football club, has strenuously denied rumours he was fired for taking cocaine. Straka told a newspaper the allegations were nonsense, saying he was willing to undergo any kind of test to prove his innocence. His sacking came after Sparta did poorly in the European Champions League, but despite the fact the club was nine points ahead in the Czech league.
Weather
The cloudy weather we are currently having should be replaced by clearer skies from Monday, though weather forecasters are warning of clouds and rain on Christmas Eve. The maximum temperature at the moment is around 4 degrees Celsius.
