Susko: I Respect Guilty Verdict in NBS Governor's Case, But With Raised Brow

Bratislava, May 29 (TASR) - Slovak Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer-SD) respects the guilty verdict of the Specialized Criminal Court in the corruption case of Slovak Central Bank (NBS) Governor Peter K. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], but underlined that he finds the ruling at the very least unusual and eyebrow-raising. TASR learnt this from Susko's social media post. The minister noted that the verdict is based on the testimony of a cooperating witness, and such testimonies, when not supported by further evidence, are considered a weak evidentiary basis. „It is also strange that the reclassification of the offense occurred at the very end of the criminal proceedings — even after the closing arguments," the Minister pointed out. He added that he is curious about the reasoning behind this decision and, in the event of an appeal, the ruling of the Supreme Court. Earlier on Thurdsay, the Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok found the former finance minister (2012-19) and current Slovak Central Bank Governor Peter K. guilty of bribery. He was sentenced to a financial penalty of €200,000. If he fails to pay the fine, he will serve a substitute prison sentence of one year. He was also ordered to forfeit property in the amount of €48,000. The defendant did not attend the hearing in person to hear the verdict. The prosecutor reserved the right to appeal, and the defense indicated it would recommend that Peter K. file an appeal. mf