Kosice Ex-police Officers Plead Guilty in Case of Manslaughter

Kosice, 21 May (TASR) - The main trial in the case of the killing of a homeless man who was caught on suspicion of theft in a department store in Kosice in November last year is being held at Kosice city court on Wednesday, TASR learnt on the same day. Standing accused are two former police officers identified only as Marek A., charged with the aggravated crime of manslaughter, and Oliver I., charged with the misuse of a public official's power. Both men, already dismissed from the force, pleaded guilty before the court. The incident occurred in a department store in Nad Jazerom borough on 5 November 2024. According to the indictment, the police officers physically assaulted the 48-year-old man without cause. Marek A. struck him at least five times in the head with his fist, causing intracranial bleeding. The other officer also hit the man once on the side of the head with an open hand. The injured man died in hospital the next day despite undergoing surgery due to severe post-traumatic brain swelling. "I'm very sorry about what happened, I can't explain my impulsive behaviour," said Marek A. in his closing statement. Oliver I. also expressed regret for his actions, and both also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. The court adjourned the main hearing and announced that the verdict would be delivered at 1:00 p.m. mf/df