Opposition: Toll Collector Case Ruling Shows Corruption of Smer-SD Governments

Bratislava, 17 February (TASR) - Opposition representatives view the Specialised Criminal Court's (STS) verdict in the Toll Collector case as evidence that corruption has taken place under the governments led by Smer-SD, and they also pointed to the negative impact of amendments to criminal law that were spearheaded by the governing coalition. They believe that the defendants, whose sentences aren't yet final, would have received significantly harsher sentences if these amendments hadn't come in effect. "Following the Toll Collector case verdict, [Prime Minister] Robert Fico [Smer-SD] can never say again that there have been no corruption scandals under his governments. Today saw the conviction of Smer-SD's former State Secretary Radko K. and oligarch Jozef B., who became fabulously wealthy, especially while Smer-SD was in power. Of course, they'll keep on obfuscating, lying and putting up smokescreens. However, we'll make sure that every single one of their voters learns where his or her taxes end up, and it's neither in hospitals, nor in repaired bridges and roads, but in the pockets of their cronies," stated Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka. Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) chair Branislav Groehling posted on social media that the verdict has confirmed that corruption goes hand in hand with Smer-SD, while he described the fact that the defendants received only suspended sentences and fines as "a mockery". "Do you know what would have happened to them without the Criminal Code amendment authored by Smer-SD? Jozef B. would have faced 12 to 20 years in prison. Now, think about what Smer-SD has done for you. Because in their two years in power, they've systematically protected criminals and corrupt figures, while you're looking for butter on special offer at the supermarket," stated Groehling. The opposition 'Slovakia' party also drew attention to the negative consequences of the Criminal Code amendment in this case. "It's becoming clear once again how toxic the coalition's Criminal Code amendment is for the whole of society. Even though Jozef B. will pay a fine for his crime thanks to this amendment; [House vice-chair] Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD) et al. saved him from prison," they stated. Opposition 'For the People' chair Veronika Remisova welcomed the fact that "the wheels of justice have not yet stalled completely" despite the governing coalition's efforts. "Today's verdict has also debunked Fico's lies about political trials, confirming that the country has been plagued by a monstrous system of corruption, fraud and theft under governments led by Smer-SD," she commented, adding that "this disgraceful and crime-ridden government" continues to challenge and sabotage these investigations. While Christian Democrats (KDH) vice-chair Viliam Karas respects the court's verdict, he pointed out that it hasn't become final yet. "It's important to build trust in our judiciary and let the rule of law operate without politicking or interfering on the part of any political environment. Everyone has the right to a fair trial, and the final verdict of the court should be respected by all parties," stated Karas. According to the verdict handed down by STS in Banska Bystrica on Tuesday, tycoon Jozef B., his son Jozef B. Jr., former Finance Ministry State Secretary Radko K. and businessman Miroslav S. [names abbreviated due to legal reasons] have been found guilty and received suspended prison sentences, with the first two also having to pay fines exceeding one million euros. The Toll Collector case involved overpriced IT tenders at Financial Administration (the tax and customs office) between 2013 and 2018. jrg/df