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There is nothing now to stop the Czech Republic from launching its second nuclear power station, situated outside the little village of Temelin in South Bohemia. The plant has been the subject of international scrutiny, numerous safety surveys and cross-border disputes, but this week Temelin becomes reality. reports:

After months of heated controversy over the Temelin nuclear power plant in southern Bohemia, it now appears that the launch of trial operation may be just hours away. That hasn't deterred anti-nuclear activists though, who say they're determined to fight on. has the story:

Now I'm sure there isn't a single reader around the world who hasn't read at least one detective novel. Crime stories have become an integral part of our lives and many of us have our favourite detectives, whether it's Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot or Perry Mason. Crime writers have their own worldwide organisation, the International Association of Crime Writers, and this week it meets in Prague. has this report:

Czechs have been following the latest developments in Serbia with great hope and sincere sympathy. These are not just events going on in a distant part of the world, they are close to Czechs. explains why that is so:

The police have categorically denied claims from anti-globalisation protesters that they were beaten and generally mistreated by Czech police following demonstrations against last week's IMF and World Bank meetings in Prague. But as reports, foreign media continue to publish numerous allegations of police brutality. The following testimony is from a 20-year-old Czech student, quoted by the weekly Internet journal, Central Europe Review:

On Wednesday, police near the western Bohemian town of Cheb intercepted a tanker lorry carrying several dozen illegal immigrants from Southeast Asia towards the German border. One of the refugees was found dead, another injured. An investigation ascertained that both men sustained head injuries when they opened the back of the lorry while it was in motion and failed to see an oncoming bridge. The Czech lorry driver has been arrested and faces charges of smuggling. has this report:

The world-renowned philosopher and writer, Umberto Eco, is in Prague this week to accept an award from the Vision 97 foundation, set up by President Vaclav Havel and his wife Dagmar. took the chance to catch up with Eco and ask him about his work:

Over 200 Czech emigres living in over 30 countries around the world have gathered in Prague for a four-day conference. Held under the auspices of President Vaclav Havel, the conference hopes to analyse and address the social, political and economic problems commonly faced by Czech nationals living in other countries. has the details:

Should journalists have to disclose their source of information to the police or courts? In the Czech Republic two journalists working for the most popular daily, Mlada Fronta Dnes, were pardoned by President Vaclav Havel on Tuesday, after the president intervened in a controversial court case against them. has more:

The village of Ludgerovice is a small village on the outskirts of Ostrava, in the former coal and steel heartlands of North Moravia. Turn right off the main road, go past the local church, and you'll see a building called the Saint Euphrasia Home. There, an organisation called the Sisters of the Good Shepherd provide material and moral support to women and children whose worlds have fallen apart. RP recently visited the home, to see the nuns of the congregation at work. reports: