Prague, Jan 2 (CTK) – The tightened security measures taken over the December Berlin terrorist attack will be in force at least until Friday, Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec (Social Democrats, CSSD) told journalists yesterday.
After the Berlin attack, the Czech police reinforced the patrols and installed barriers at some frequented places.
At first, the measures were to be valid till yesterday.
“Given the current situation, there will be fewer patrols than in the past days, but the police will be still focusing on the protection of some major soft targets,” Chovanec said, adding that due to the post-Christmas sales the police will focus on shopping centres.
On Friday, the police will reassess the situation and decide whether the tightened security measures should continue, Chovanec said.
Now the police are evaluating whether to remove some barriers installed in the streets, he added.
The protection of some public areas in the Czech Republic, such as shopping centres, Christmas markets and railway stations, was reinforced after the terrorist attack in Berlin, which claimed 12 lives, including that of one Czech woman. The police also blocked the entry into many frequented places in cities.
Before Christmas, Chovanec estimated the security costs at 30 million crowns, but the final sum will depend on how long the measures will be in force.
($1=25.639 crowns)
