Let's Stop Corruption: Criminal Code Amendment Pushed by SNS Favours Extremists

Bratislava, 12 January (TASR) – The governing coalition is pandering to radicals with a draft amendment to the Criminal Code drafted by the Slovak National Party (SNS), the Let's Stop Corruption Foundation warned on Monday. According to the foundation, the amendment would legalise the production and distribution of extremist materials and significantly reduce penalties for expressions of sympathy for movements suppressing fundamental rights. It warned that the state would thus be abandoning the security of citizens and the protection of democratic values. The foundation called on the bill submitters to withdraw their proposal immediately and on the SNS's coalition partners to reject it. The organisation said that removing the definition of extremist material and related criminal offences from the Criminal Code would set a dangerous precedent. "If someone wanted to deliberately turn Slovakia into a state where the fascist ideology and hatred could spread unhindered, they would do it exactly this way. With this amendment, the state is sending a message to radicals that it has no problem with wearing swastikas, praising Hitler or approving the Holocaust," said foundation director Zuzana Petkova. She added that the amendment could also help Daniel B. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], who has been charged with extremist criminal activity. "Once again, we are witnessing tailor-made legislation designed for specific individuals," warned foundation lawyer Lubomir Danko. In the foundation's view, the proposed changes would also affect the prosecution of Holocaust denial and approval or crimes against humanity, which could lead to increased radicalisation in society. mf