Main Trial of Peter L. Accused of Incitement Set to Continue Next Tuesday

Bratislava, 13 August (TASR) - The main trial in the case of doctor Peter L. (name abbreviated due to legal reasons), who is facing charges of incitement over statements that he made at a public gathering in 2020 against measures to combat COVID-19, is scheduled to continue at Bratislava I Municipal Court next Tuesday (19 August), TASR reported on Wednesday based on information on the Justice Ministry's website, according to which documentary evidence will be read out. At the initial hearing, the doctor pleaded not guilty, claiming that his actions did not constitute incitement. He said that his statements were motivated by a desire to protect people’s lives and health, and he claimed that the pandemic did not exist. He also considers the Public Health Authority's decrees on measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 to be legally null and void. The indictment is based on Peter L.'s statements at a gathering in Bratislava in December 2020 when he urged people to "do the opposite of what they're asking. Let's gather, let's not wear masks, let's not get tested, let's not get vaccinated when there's no guarantee of safety". His defence team considers the indictment to be unlawful, incomplete and unfounded. jrg/df/ko