Musician, architect, prevented from hanging EU flag

Well-known Czech musician Michal Kocab, together with architect Borek Sipek, were prevented from trying to hang a European Union flag at one of the courtyards at Prague Castle on Thursday, after hinting they might take just such a step in October. The move was blocked on Thursday by a member of the Prague Castle guard. Previously, Mr Kocab and Mr Sipek - architect to former president Vaclav Havel - expressed dissatisfaction with the current president's refusal to fly the flag. The EU flag can be flown together with the national flag at official sites including the seat of government, the Foreign Ministry, as well as the office of the president. Mr Klaus has declined the option so far.

His predecessor Vaclav Havel criticised Mr Klaus' decision on Thursday as "just short of scandalous".