Daily news summary
Bělobrádek: Christian Democrats need to broaden image, continue to meet promises
The leader of the smallest government coalition party, the Christian Democrats Pavel Bělobrádek, has told delegates at the his party's congress in Zlín that the party needs to continue meeting its promises and to uphold its programme, saying backing the current coalition government was necessary to meet its goals. Mr Bělobrádek also stressed the Christian Democrats needed to change their image as a "clerical" or Christian party for Christians, saying they needed to show how it had changed and wanted to modernise the Czech Republic. On Saturday, Mr Bělobrádek was re-elected as chairman, receiving 251 out of a possible 275 votes from delegates.
Christian Democrats in favour of continued sanctions against Russia
The Christian Democrats, at their continuing party congress in Zlín on Sunday condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine and rejected the redrawing of the country's borders through military force. In a statement, the Christian Democrats - members of the country's ruling coalition - made clear they were in favour of current sanctions against Russia and were even for a tightening of measures if the situation called for it, to get Russia to change its current course.
Residents in Dejivice warned not to drink tap water
The authorities on Sunday warned residents of Prague's Dejvice district to not drink their tap water, even after boiling, saying it was not safe. Many locals on Saturday night are reported to have suffered from diarrhea; around 150 people were taken to hospital, the website iDnes reported. The spokesman for Pražské vodovody a kanalizace, Tomáš Mrázek, warned the water likely contains coliform bacteria. The cause of the contamination is not yet known. The warning affects some 32,000 people and streets affected are listed at www.pvk.cz. Cisterns with drinking water have been set up in affected areas. Some restaurants opted to close on Sunday after the warning was issued.
Former governor Rath given new lawyer
Former governor and Social Democrat MP David Rath, on trial on corruption charges, will reportedly be represented by lawyer Marcela Ondřejová of the firm Bezděk & Partner, provided no underlying reasons exist meaning she would have to turn the case down. The news was reported by the website Česká justice and confirmed by the defendant. A week or so ago Mr Rath withdrew power of attorney granted his previous defence team; his new lawyer was chosen ex officio. The former politician faces a possible seizure of assets and up to 12 years in prison if he is found guilty of having taken bribes and of having manipulated public tenders in the Central Bohemian region.
Two-year-old seriously injured by dog
A two-year-old boy in the area of Hradec Králové was seriously injured by a dog on Sunday morning. The child was transported to hospital; the police are investigating the incident. The boy's injury, while serious, was not life-threatening.
Unique tiara auctioned for more than one million crowns
A unique tiara which was commissioned for his wife by Czech diplomat Vojtěch Mastný almost 100 years ago, sold for 1.44 million crowns in auction in Prague on Saturday. The opening bid was a minimum of 360,000 crowns. Four interested buyers reportedly bid for the luxury item.
Football: Čech makes what could be last appearance for Chelsea
Petr Čech started in goal on Sunday in the last match of the season in what is widely expected to be his last game for his longtime club Chelsea. The Czech player has been with Chelsea for 11 years and was the No. 1 goalkeeper for most of them. During that time he won four Premiership titles, the Champions League, and other honours. He is expected to sign with a new club this summer, a year before his contract with the Blues officially expires. Čech, a legend at the London club, lost his place as top 'keeper this year to Belgian Thibault Courtois.
