Zeman will sign decree making Putna professor but not hand it over in person

The Czech president, Miloš Zeman, says he will sign a decree conferring the title of professor on Martin C. Putna. However, he will not hand it over in person but have the minister of education, Petr Fiala, present it to the literary historian. Mr. Zeman made the announcement after talks with Mr. Fiala on Wednesday. The head of state had sparked broad condemnation by saying he would not name Mr. Putna professor; at first he refused to say why, but he later said it was because of a provocative placard the academic had carried in a gay pride march. Mr. Zeman also says the power to appoint professors should be removed from the president.

Author: Ian Willoughby