Kalousek criticises police for witch-hunt against Parkanová

Deputy TOP 09 chairman Miroslav Kalousek has criticised the police for seeking to prosecute his fellow party member, MP Vlasta Parkanová. The request to strip Parkanová of immunity was an example of the police force’s haphazard behaviour, Mr Kalousek said, adding that the flimsy case against her amounted to charges of witchcraft. A former defence minister, Ms Parkanová is suspected of abuse of public office in connection with a 3.5 billion crown purchase of three Spanish-made transport CASA planes and other suspected irregularities. The police cite her for failing to order an expert opinion to verify the price of the aircraft. In her defence, Mr Kalousek said that the military have their own experts to assess orders and that independent analyses cannot be made for sensitive data. Parkanová herself insists she did nothing illegal in the case.