PM defends statement criticising the US

The prime minister has defended a statement made earlier this week about the United States allowing the torture of prisoners. His words were in response to an annual report on human rights released by the US State Department, criticising the Czech Republic for its treatment of the Roma minority as well as for corruption. In his statement the prime minister said that a country which “allowed the torture of prisoners could hardly preach on human rights breaches”. His words came just weeks after Mr Topolánek visited the US to negotiate visa-free relations, as well as the possible stationing of a US radar base on Czech soil. In Brussels on Friday the prime minister maintained he stood by his earlier statement, calling his reaction “adequate”.