Dozens of local authorities and schools across the country have removed
portraits of President Václav Klaus from offices and classrooms in
protest
against an amnesty Mr Klaus declared earlier this month, the news website
idnes.cz reported. The amnesty freed around 7,000 people serving terms for
minor offences, and also halted the prosecution of cases which began more
than eight years ago, and carried maximum sentences of ten years. The
mayor
of the eastern community of Želechovice, who initiated the campaign last
week, said he was angered by the amnesty, and no longer wanted Mr Klaus’
portrait in his office. Around 100 municipalities and schools have since
removed portraits of Václav Klaus whose second and final term as head of
state ends in March. The portrait of the president – or monarch in
earlier times – is traditionally displayed in Czech classrooms,
mayors’
offices and some other public venues.