Czech gov't terminates security measures in reaction to Brussels attacks

The security measures the Czech government took after the Brussels attacks were terminated on Monday, announced Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky after a Cabinet meeting.

In reaction to the bomb attacks in Brussels on March 22, Czech government introduced the patrols of armed soldiers and police officers at airports, railway stations and in busy public spaces. Some 550 soldiers participated in the security measures. In late April, the soldiers patrolling in the Brno and Ostrava cities were abolished.

But the first degree of terrorism threat that was declared by Czech government two months ago has not been withdrawn, said Stropnicky. More police than usual will keep patrolling places with high concentration of people. The security measures also apply to nuclear power plants, some embassies and the Prague metro.

Stropnicky said he considers the participation of the army in such security measures standard. He said it is common in European countries.

Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec said on Monday that if no major incident happens within the next three weeks in the world, there is a "real chance" to switch the security level in the country to the level zero. But it will depend on the experts' recommendations. Endit