Premier: No Unresolved Issues between EU and Slovakia in Area of Penal Law

Bratislava, 2 June (TASR) - There are no unresolved issues between the institutions of the European Union and Slovakia in the area of penal law, Premier Robert Fico told a news conference following his meeting with Justice Minister Boris Susko (both Smer-SD) on Monday, aimed at progress in fulfilling the government manifesto. Therefore, Fico considers the issue of amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Law to be closed. "Today, it is very correct if we say that there are no unresolved issues between the EU and Slovak institutions in the area of ​​penal law," stressed Fico, who pointed out that the Constitutional Court confirmed that the changes to penal legislation were constitutional. Therefore, he has no idea what could be the subject of Monday's meeting with the European Parliament's monitoring group, which focuses on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. With changes to penal law, Slovakia has followed trends that are modern in Europe, stated Fico, adding that the role of penal law should not be in seeking revenge, but in helping to fix the damage done. "This role, which we expected from penal law, is also gradually being carried out," said Fico. At the same time, courts are imposing a greater number of alternative sentences than in the past, he added. However, further growth is limited by the number of probation officers, which is some 110 at the moment. The premier expressed his hope that this figure will increase. Fico also spoke at the news conference about a successful end to the tension between individual law-enforcement authorities and within the Judicial Council. He praised the Justice Ministry's proposal for a two-stage procedure in connection with the disciplinary prosecution of judges. ko/df