Hybaskova discloses names of people allegedly involved in bribery

The chairwoman of the Independent Candidates-European Democrats party Jana Hybaskova has provided a state attorney's office with the names of people who allegedly demanded a bribe from her party in exchange for the payment of a state subsidy to which the party is entitled, Ms Hybaskova said on Wednesday. However she did not disclose the names to journalists, saying that it would frustrate the investigation. The small party's representatives said previously that they were addressed by certain persons who said that the subsidy would be immediately paid if the party set aside 3 million crowns out of the 15 million for the mediator.

The SNK-ED demands a subsidy for its successful performance in the 2002 local elections in Prague. Previously, the Finance Ministry refused to pay the subsidy, saying that the SNK-ED had entered the elections as an alliance of a political party and independent candidates, while only parties and movements are eligible for the subsidy. The courts, however, have not supported the ministry's stand so far. The SNK-ED, claiming some 15 million crowns in compensation, has turned to the Constitutional Court. The party also filed a complaint against former Social Democrat finance minister Bohuslav Sobotka, but police shelved it.