Zilina Ex-judge Daniel B. Acquitted in Corruption Case

Banska Bystrica, May 29 (TASR) - The Specialised Criminal Court has acquitted former Zilina District Court judge Daniel B. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons] of charges of bribery along with other five defendants. According to the presiding judge, their guilt hasn't been proven, as convincing evidence was lacking. The verdict is not yet final, and the prosecutor has lodged an appeal. The case concerns corrupt criminal activity at the courts in Zilina, where, according to the indictment, acquittals or lighter sentences could be arranged in exchange for bribes — such as €5,000. Former judge Daniel B. was among those detained during a police operation codenamed 'Weed' in 2020. As the presiding judge explained after delivering the verdict, there was a lack of convincing, incontrovertible evidence. The testimony from a single key witness — a cooperating accused person who contradicted his earlier statements during the proceedings and failed to explain the discrepancies and contradictions in his testimony clearly and convincingly - is not enough to convict anyone. As an eyewitness, he didn't provide details or specifics that would convince the court of the credibility of his account. According to the judge, this was further undermined by vague phrases in the indictment, such as "as yet unidentified regional court judge." Based on such evidence, the judge had no choice but to acquit. mf/df