Progressive Slovakia Wants Resolution Against Dismantling Special Criminal Court

Bratislava, 16 October (TASR) – The opposition's Progressive Slovakia (PS) party does not consider recent statements by coalition representatives about abolishing the Special Criminal Court (STS) to be a coincidence, and voiced concern over the court's future. Because of this, PS plans to submit a resolution to Parliament condemning such remarks and expressing support for the STS, MP Zuzana Stevulova (PS) stated at a press conference on Thursday. „We will submit a resolution calling on Parliament to stand up for the independence of the STS, to strongly condemn statements by government officials suggesting its possible dissolution, and to reaffirm the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, which is the foundation of the rule of law," Stevulova declared. She pointed out that the STS handles the most serious criminal cases, "including cases involving individuals close to this governing coalition". For this reason, she does not view the coalition’s talk of abolishing the court as coincidental. Stevulova drew attention to a statement made by Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD), highlighting a potential conflict of interest. She noted that a law firm co-owned by Kalinak represents defendant Daniel B. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], whose case is being heard by the STS. Kalinak has criticised the STS's decisions and questioned the court's legitimacy in relation to its rulings on pre-trial custody for Daniel B., who faces charges of extremist criminal activity. Meanwhile, MEP Lubos Blaha has stated that not only should the STS be abolished, but also the sections of the Criminal Code concerning so-called extremism. mf