News

World War II prime minister Elias buried with full military honours in Prague

World War II Czech prime minister Alois Elias has been buried with full military honours at Prague's Vitkov national memorial, 64 years after his death. General Elias served under the Nazi Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia but was executed by the Germans in 1942 after the assassination of its governor, Reinhard Heydrich. His wife Jaroslava was also reburied.

Memorial ceremonies were also held on Sunday at Prague's Olsany cemeteries for those who fell in the Prague Uprising of May 1945, as well as British, Soviet and Bulgarian fighters.

Anniversary of liberation of Plzen celebrated

On Saturday the liberation of the west Bohemian city of Plzen by US troops on May 6, 1945 was remembered in a celebration entitled "Thanks, America!". A number of veterans of the liberation attended the event, as did Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek, who said it was one of the most significant events in modern Czech history. Monday - Victory in Europe Day - is a state holiday in the Czech Republic.

Tributes paid to legendary World War II pilot General Frantisek Perina

Tributes have been paid to the legendary Czech World War II pilot General Frantisek Perina, who has died at the age of 95. The chief of staff of the Czech Army, Pavel Stefka, described him as a hero. He said the general, who returned from exile in 1993, had helped build the modern Czech Army. The minister of defence, Karel Kuhnl, praised General Perina's ability to discuss issues such as patriotism and defence of the nation with all generations.

Senior police also to blame for beating of government official, says Bublan

Senior police officers may also have been to blame for an incident in which a government official was beaten by a policeman during a demonstration, the interior minister, Frantisek Bublan, said on a TV debate programme on Sunday. Mr Bublan said the police's system had failed because officers without special riot training had been deployed. Police officer Tomas Cermak may face criminal charges after injuring the head of the government's human rights section Katerina Jacques during an anti-Nazi protest.

Czechs in World Championships quarter-finals after win over Slovenia

The Czech ice hockey team has secured a place in the quarter-finals of the World Championships in Riga after beating Slovenia 5:4. The Czechs, who drew with the hosts Latvia in their opening game, face Finland in their final group match on Tuesday.

Nedved goal helps Juventus close in on Italian title

Czech footballer Pavel Nedved is within grasp of another Italian league title with his club Juventus, after scoring the opening goal in their 2:1 defeat of Palermo on Sunday. Juve will retain the Serie A crown as long as they are not beaten by Reginna in their last game next weekend.

Weather

Over the next few days it should remain mostly sunny with temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius.