Ombudsman Hails Constitutional Court Rulings as Key to Protecting Citizen Rights

Bratislava, 17 December (TASR) – The decisions of the Constitutional Court on Wednesday are seen by Public Ombudsman Robert Dobrovodsky as crucial for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. According to Dobrovodsky, Slovakia still remains a country where citizens have clear guarantees against state power. The ombudsman said on social media that institutions safeguarding constitutionality are functioning, and the principle of minimal interference with citizens' rights remains a cornerstone of Slovak democracy. "A free civil society and a safe environment for whistleblowers are foundations that the Constitutional Court has strengthened today," Dobrovodsky said. He noted that the court upheld his petition regarding the legislation on non-governmental organisations. "This step halted an attempt at disproportionate state interventions that undermined the principle of freedom, hindered civil society's participation in public life, and introduced unacceptable 'surveillance' of donors and volunteers," he added. Dobrovodsky also welcomed the court's decision to suspend the effects of the legislation transforming the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (UOO) into a new office. Protecting people who dare to point out anti-social activities is, according to the ombudsman, critical for the integrity of the rule of law. "Freedom of speech and the protection of public interest are values that are vital and unquestionable for human-rights-oriented Slovakia, and today's court decision sends a clear signal that these values must not yield to political pressure," Dobrovodsky said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court suspended the effectiveness of the legislation transforming the UOO into a new office. A proposal by a group of opposition MPs was accepted for further proceedings in full. The Constitutional Court also ruled that the amendment to the law on non-profit organisations providing generally beneficial services is not in line with the Slovak Constitution and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The amendment had been challenged in the court by a group of opposition MPs and the public ombudsman. mf