Czech TV demonstration called

A mass demonstration has been called for later today in central Prague aimed at maintaining pressure on the authorities to act against alleged political interference in Czech television.

Television staff have been protesting at the appointment of a new director, Jiri Hodac, who, they say, is politically biased and must go.

The journalists are continuing their occupation of the newsroom and are putting out their own programmes. The planned demonstration in Prague comes on the eve of an emergency session of parliament which will consider steps to sack the new management.

Similar demonstrations are expected to be held in Brno, Ostrava and other major cities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service