Kubina: Investigators to Address Submissions by Sutaj Estok in Coming Days

Bratislava, 25 November (TASR) – The group of police investigators centered around Jan Curilla will address the submissions of Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) in the next few days, and subsequently a court will rule on them, attorney for the officers Peter Kubina told TASR on Tuesday. Kubina was speaking in response to the minister's decision to file a motion to annul the default judgment in his dispute with the investigators. He noted that the minister's move had been expected. "It isn't my place to prejudge his decision publicly, and I will likewise not present our arguments publicly at this stage," said Kubina, alluding to the dissolution of the Whistleblower Protection Office. Earlier on Tuesday, Daily N reported that the minister has filed a motion to halt his distraint proceedings and annul the final default judgment in his case involving the investigators. Ministry spokesman Matej Neumann told TASR that the minister will use all possible means within applicable legislation. Sutaj Estok lost a case brought by the group of investigators, and he must publicly apologise to them for comparing them to lawfully convicted crime boss and multiple murderer Mikulas Cernak. He must also pay six police officers compensation totalling €90,000, as well as legal costs and late-payment interest. According to Kubina, Sutaj Estok failed to collect his electronic mail, resulting in a 'default' loss. He added that the minister is currently subject to distraint proceedings and that the bailiff has frozen funds in his account to cover the compensation. The minister responded on social media that he stands by his words. Due to his workload, he claimed that he rarely uses the public administration electronic platform. According to him, the court showed no interest in his arguments, and he criticised the judge for not attempting to contact him by other means. mf/df