Justice Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Right to Defence

Bratislava, 12 August (TASR) – The Ministry of Justice has assured the Slovak Bar Association (SAK) on Tuesday that it is in the ministry's interest to ensure the right to defence is fully guaranteed. This statement came in response to the SAK's criticism that the rights of suspects to legal representation are not adequately protected. The Bar Association also pointed out that the European Commission (EC) has raised similar concerns. In response, the ministry stated that it had provided a detailed position on behalf of Slovakia addressing the Commission’s objections. „Despite the submission of our reasoned opinion to the EC, the Commission continues proceedings against the Slovak Republic. Until a formal complaint is lodged, we will not have access to the Commission’s official objections to our response. For this reason, we are currently unable to comment on or adopt a position regarding the concerns raised," the ministry stated. On Friday (8 August), the SAK criticised what it described as insufficient guarantees for suspects to access legal counsel. It also warned that the European Commission is preparing to initiate proceedings against Slovakia for the inadequate transposition of a directive regulating the right to legal representation. The Bar Association plans to propose amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to the Ministry of Justice. mf/mcs