Havel: Some aspects of checks "disturbing"

"Although the president is aware of the reasons that prompted the British side to introduce this temporary, technical measure... he considers some of the circumstances that accompany its implementation disturbing," said a statement released on Mr Havel's behalf.

Human rights and the protection of personal data had to be respected, he said.

"Should these principles be violated the procedure (at the airport) would be no longer acceptable," added the statement.

Mr Havel is now said to be following the "controversial" situation attentively. Since the screening started at Prague's international airport on 18 July, around 100 Czech citizens - most of them reported to be Roma - have been turned back.

Caught on a hidden camera, officials discuss Mr Samko's fate

The checks mean that all passengers boarding UK-bound flights - including British travellers - must pass though immigration desks before they are allowed to check in for their flights. They are given special boarding cards granting them entry onto the flight.

Suspected asylum seekers who are not deemed to meet the necessary criteria are weeded out.

Former prime minister Vaclav Klaus, Culture Minister Pavel Dostal and Czech senate speaker Petr Pithart have already criticised the policy, saying it discriminates against Roma.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kavan met concerned Roma leaders on Tuesday, and said the checks would now be monitored, and a report prepared.

Monitors

Human rights monitors from the Czech Helsinki Committee are expected to be placed at the airport from Wednesday to start watching the way the checks are being handled, and to ensure that there is no discrimination.

The secret filming of Roma journalist Richard Samko showed him facing long questioning before being turned away. His non-Roma colleague was allowed on her way immediately.

Both had valid tickets, told officials they were going to visit a friend, provided the same London address and declared the same amount of spending money.