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A group of senators and like-minded journalists, artists and other public figures is petitioning for a change in the penal code that would outlaw the promotion of Communism and Nazism as criminal ideologies. The group also wants to make it illegal for political groupings to include the word 'Communist' in their names.

Chinese opera singer Feng-Jun Song and her band Mountain Caravan greeted the Chinese New Year at Prague's Archa theatre, which has been celebrating the event for the last four years. Musical artists ranging from opera singers to jazz musicians came together to give a colourful performance and welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Since the fall of communism, the Czech police have had to respond to a huge increase in organised crime, often involving international crime gangs. In order to tackle the problem, a group of MPs has put forward new legislation aimed at breaking up such groups - they want to encourage gang members to give evidence against their colleagues.

Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the period in which Christians prepare for Easter. Here in the Czech Republic many people are observing "masopust", which literally translates as "meat fast". But it isn't only about abstinence - it's also a chance to celebrate. To get a feel for the spirit of masopust, Rosie Johnston has been out and about in the Prague district of Zizkov.

Ever since CNN broadcast a report on the biggest mobile telephone in the world, the North Bohemian company Jablotron has been bombarded with orders. The phone looks like an ordinary fixed-line telephone with large buttons and a normal-size receiver. It also has a key-pad with the complete alphabet and a large display. The only difference is that it is mobile - you can take it to your country cottage, use it when on holiday or if you're really brave and don't mind looking awkward use it outside in public. Since this mega mobile was introduced to

At a glitzy ceremony in Prague on Monday night, Pavel Nedved was crowned Czech Footballer of the Year for the fourth time. A former European Player of the Year, the 32-year-old midfielder is one of the biggest stars in the Italian league, where he plays for Juventus. A few months ago he quit as captain of the Czech national team, but there has been talk of a possible comeback. I discussed what makes Pavel Nedved special with another Czech football star, goalkeeper Petr Cech.

For the first time in the country's modern day history, the Prime Minister has to account for his private finances in Parliament. After failing to explain how he paid for his luxury flat in Prague, the Prime Minister Stanislav Gross faces tough questions in the Lower House and there are even calls for his immediate resignation.

The Czech branch of Greenpeace has just launched a controversial TV spot in which the Czech Republic is shown as a wasteland with contaminated rivers, soil and air, dead fish and heaps of rubbish. The country's national anthem, which speaks of lush meadows and bubbling streams, serves as a backdrop to this scene of devastation. The opening lyrics of the anthem - Where is my home - bring home the message that if Czechs don't wake up soon they may not have a home.

Opposition leaders are demanding that Prime Minister Stanislav Gross explain before Parliament on Tuesday how he paid for his luxury Prague apartment five years ago, as his official government salary would not have been efficient to finance it. Mr Gross has already given three (conflicting) explanations and is unlikely to hazard a fourth, but speculation over the money's origin has also renewed debate over to what degree politicians should make public their finances.

Jan Werich, one of the most famous and best-loved Czech actors and comedians would have turned 100 this Sunday. Werich is probably best-known for his theatre performances but he also appeared in many films and wrote a number of books, including children's fairy tales. Looking back, Werich's life and work seem to have faithfully mirrored the twists and turns of history that the whole Czech nation went through in the 20th century.