PG Zilinka Points to Harmful Nature of Changes to Penal Code

Bratislava, 16 December (TASR) - Prosecutor-General (PG) Maros Zilinka has pointed to the harm that could be caused by the changes to the Penal Code approved by Parliament last week. In a post published on a social network, Zilinka urged President Peter Pellegrini to consider returning the law to MPs, adding that he fully respects the constitutional position and powers of the president. "The president will thoroughly familiarise himself with the approved wording of the law and decide within the deadline set by the Constitution," the President's Office has told TASR. Parliament passed an amendment to the Penal Code via a short-track legislative procedure. It reintroduces the three-strikes rule for petty theft, with repeat offenders becoming criminally liable in the case of repeated thefts. Offenders should be sent to prison for two years after committing a similar offence against property three times within one year. It also addresses the issue of cooperating defendants, whose testimonies may no longer be considered credible in court proceedings. ko/df