Amnesty spoils Janoušek's chances
Thousands of people were no doubt disappointed when they read in Právo on Sat. that Václav Klaus plans no more pardons before leaving office. He had raised hopes of another round by declaring earlier this year that some pardons might follow his Jan. 1 amnesty, but now he says that he received so many requests that they cannot even all be read. The strong backlash to the amnesty likely played a role too. Klaus's decision is not good news for Roman Janoušek, who could face up to 18 years in prison for his traffic accident last year. The reclassification of the crime to the absurd charge of "attempted murder" created the perfect chance for Klaus to step in. Of course Klaus didn't tell Právo that he plans no more remissions/abolitions of proceedings, but without a broader round of pardons to at least cloud the waters somewhat, singling out Janoušek for a remission would be impossible to sell to the public.
Glossary of difficult words
to spoil - to diminish or destroy the value or quality of;backlash - a strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people, esp. to a social or political development;
to step in - to intervene, to involve oneself;
remission/abolition - (in this context) the cancellation of a penalty or a legal proceeding;
to cloud the waters - to make a situation less distinct or less easy to comprehend.