Several NGOs Call on President Not to Sign Amendment to Penal Code

Bratislava, 15 December (TASR) - Several NGOs have called on President Peter Pellegrini not to sign an amendment to the Penal Code approved by Parliament, asking him to turn to the Constitutional Court in this connection as well, TASR has learnt from the Towns for Democracy initiative, which initiated the call along with several other NGOs. The NGOs view the amendment as threatening the principle of equality before the law, justice and the very foundations of the rule of law. "These changes were the result neither of professional, nor public debate, were adopted hastily, and instead of protecting justice, they will help powerful and specific individuals facing criminal prosecutions or indictments," stated the NGOs. In addition to Towns for Democracy, the call has been joined by Via Iuris, the Let's Stop Corruption Foundation, the Platform for Democracy, Transparency International Slovakia, Youth Against Fascism, Peace for Ukraine and several other civil associations and activists. Last Thursday (11 December), Parliament approved an amendment to the Penal Code that includes several changes that were added to the draft the same morning at committee meetings. It also addresses the issue of cooperating defendants, whose testimonies may no longer be considered credible in court proceedings. Parliament dealt with the amendment via short-track legislative proceedings. ko/df