Press: Head of Czech branch of Interpol passed vetting using false name

The Interior Minister's decision comes amid media reports that the head of the Czech branch of Interpol was a secret police agent before 1989. The daily Lidove noviny reported on Monday that he used a false name when acquiring security clearance. Interior Minister Ivan Langer confirmed to the paper that Pavol Mihal used the name Pavel Mihal when applying for the clearance. Last week Czech Television reported that Mr Mihal had begun collaborating with the communist secret police in 1984.