News

Czech arms dealer arrested in Brussels

Police in Brussels have arrested a Czech arms dealer Dalibor Kopp, wanted since 2004 on an international warrant for allegedly trying to illegally import munitions into Iraq. In the past Mr Kopp faced charges in Liberia and was accused of having ties to Arab terrorist organisations. His arrest Thursday took place at around 6:30 am at Brussel's international airport. The Czech Republic will reportedly now seek his extradition. If found guilty of illegal arms trafficking, Mr Kopp could face up to ten years in prison.

Czech military health unit to wrap up mission in Pakistan

Some 30 Czech soldiers, who are part of a NATO-led contingent providing humanitarian aid in Pakistan, are set to wrap up their mission and return to the Czech Republic next week. The Czechs have been in Pakistan for almost a quarter of a year, arriving roughly two weeks after the country was hit by a devastating earthquake in October. In tandem with Dutch health workers, Czech military health officials treated some 6,000 patients during their stay in Pakistan. When they depart next week, the Czech unit will escort 11 Pakistanis, mostly children, requiring special medical attention in the Czech Republic.

Businessman wanted by court, Czech police, returns to the Czech Rep

Czech businessman Tomas Pitr, sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for tax fraud in November, has returned to the Czech Republic for the first time since December 23rd. Last month a Prague court issued a warrant for his arrest for fear Mr Pitr might attempt to flee from justice during a holiday abroad. But, on Thursday, Mr Pitr and his defense team appeared before a Prague court reportedly to meet the court's terms. These are said to include Mr Pitr paying bail of an estimated 15 million crowns (around 627,000 US dollars), as well as surrendering his Czech passport and pledging not to leave the country ahead of upcoming legal proceedings. Earlier, Tomas Pitr appealed his sentence and until now has maintained he has no intentions of trying to escape.

Germany's Fredi Bobic considers offer from football's Sparta Prague

Former international striker Fredi Bobic of Germany has admitted he is considering an offer from Czech football club Sparta Prague. Mr Bobic told the Czech daily "Sport" he was not against the move, saying he was willing to sit down and discuss the offer. The 34-year-old player, a member of Germany's victorious team from Euro '96, is currently training with an amateur team in Stuttgart. Bobic racked up 37 caps playing for Germany's national side, and played 285 games in Germany's first division Bundesliga. Sparta Prague are currently looking for ways to vamp up their team after a disappointing fall season.

Weather

Friday is expected to see mixed conditions: some cloudiness along with sunny intervals. Daytime temperatures will hover at around 0 degrees Celsius.