Prague - The new head of Czech public television entered a Prague studio yesterday
to check identities of journalists occupying the building in protest at his appointment, according to protesters.
President Vaclav Havel, who has declared sympathy with the journalists, had telephoned to wish them a Happy New Year.
The TV station chief, Mr Jiri Hodac, was accompanied by bodyguards and police officers during his visit to the building of CT public television. The journalists claim Mr Hodac has close ties to the right-wing opposition Civic Democratic Party, and want details about his appointment last month. Some 1,800 staff have signed a petition calling for his resignation.