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Němcová not in favour of lawyers’ presence

The head of the lower house Miroslava Němcová has said she will recommend that the Chamber of Deputies not allow the presence of lawyers for MP David Rath on the floor at a meeting of the chamber on Tuesday, which will decide whether the MP will be stripped of immunity. The MP – who has maintained his innocence but was caught red-handed with a suspected bribe of seven million crowns - has been charged with corruption and remanded in custody for fear he could influence witnesses, flee, or continue in illegal activities. Eight others have also been charged in the case. Mrs Němcová found agreement on a Sunday debate programme with Social Democrat deputy leader Michal Hašek, who said the lawyers could view the meeting from the visitors’ gallery. David Rath was a prominent and outspoken member of the Social Democratic Party and is the former governor of Central Bohemia.

Finance Ministry approves salary hikes for Philharmonic

The Finance Ministry has approved members of the Czech Philharmonic receiving monthly raises of up to eleven thousand crowns. A total of forty million crowns needed for the salary adjustments will be paid from the Culture Ministry’s budget. Members will thus receive salaries averaging around 40,000 crowns per month. Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek backed the move as necessary to guarantee the continuation of the Philharmonic’s high quality. The National Theatre has also requested a boost in salaries; there, no decision has been taken yet.

Radiožurnál to broadcast jubilee concert marking Queen Elizabeth’s 60-year reign

Czech Radio’s flagship station Radiožurnál on Monday June 4 will exclusively broadcast a gala concert marking the Queen Elizabeth’s 60-year reign. The live broadcast begins at eight-thirty pm. The programme – put together by British musician Gary Barlow – will feature performances by Elton John, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, Madness, Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue, Shirley Bassey, and others.

Motorcyclist killed by oncoming car

A motorcyclist was killed on the road from Řevnice to Mnišek pod Brdy on Saturday after losing control of his vehicle and swerving into a car’s path in the opposite lane. The incident took place at around two pm. The motorists – a married couple – were unhurt and a breathalyser test showed the driver had not drunk alcohol. An autopsy has been ordered for the deceased.

Police find body of newborn in ditch

The police, responding to an emergency call, uncovered the body of a dead newborn that had been left in a ditch near Rotava in the Sokolov area. The caller mentioned seeing something suspicious but it was only upon arrival that officers learned the truth. The death is under investigation; the police are revealing no additional details.

US Civil War hero sole ‘Czech’ to have received Medal of Honour

Sergeant Leopold Karpeles, born to a Jewish family in 1836 and a later hero in the US Civil War, is the only 'Czech' to ever receive a Congressional Medal of Honour – the highest US military distinction, Czech Radio reported. According to the public broadcaster - which cited archivist Wendy Turman of the Jewish Historical Society in Washington - Karpeles showed extreme courage in battles against the Confederate Army. While little is known about the hero and his family, it is thought he immigrated to the US after 1848. He was wounded twice in battle and reportedly joined the Civil War because he wanted to fight against slavery. Karpeles is registered in the Washington-based archive of the American Jewish Historical Society as a native of Prague, but he was also officially listed as a native of Hungary. It is possible he was actually not born in Prague but only later moved there with his family.

Tennis: Kvitová, Zakopalová through to fourth round at Roland Garros

World No. 4 Petra Kvitová and fellow Czech player Klára Zakopalová have both made it to the fourth round at the French Open. Zakopalová advanced in straight sets over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (6:3, 7:5). Kvitová lost her first set at Roland Garros but survived for a 6-2 4-6 6-1 victory over Nina Bratchikova.

Weather

Overcast conditions and showers are expected at the beginning of the week. Daytime temperatures should reach highs of around 20 degrees Celsius.