Austrian national files high treason charges against president, chancellor, others

An Austrian national of Czech descent, Philipp Janýr, filed charges of treason and sabotage on Thursday against President Miloš Zeman, the president’s chancellor Vratislav Mynář, Social Democrat deputy leader Michal Hašek and others. The charges were filed with the High State Attorney’s Office in Prague and in Olomouc. Mr Janýr is alleging that the group, through its actions, had attempted to push foreign interests represented by the Russian firms Lukoil and Rusatom by legally or illegally increasing influence within the executive and legislative branches. Mr Janýr suggested the state administration had been infiltrated by organised crime and foreign interests.