Sutaj Estok: Accountability for Misconduct Applies to All, Regardless of Status

Bratislava, 3 March (TASR) - All those who, if confirmed, have abused their uniforms, powers or public trust must bear full responsibility regardless of their status, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) has written on social media in connection with the detention on Tuesday of current and former police officers, as well as a prosecutor from the Prosecutor-General's Office. "Today, I was briefed by the Internal Affairs Inspectorate (UIS) regarding a police operation codenamed 'Cooperating Witness'. According to available information, it involves grave suspicions that have led to the charging and detention of individuals from both police and civilian backgrounds," stated the minister, adding that law and justice must apply to everyone equally, with no exceptions, as this is a fundamental principle upon which a credible and equitable society must be built. UIS conducted 'Operation Cooperating Defendant' on Tuesday, with an investigator of the UIS's specialised Veritas team detaining and charging four current and two former police officers, plus one civilian, with extortion and abuse of power by a public official, allegedly committed in an organised manner. In addition to those charged, two other suspects have been detained as well. Defence lawyer Peter Kubina has confirmed that the detainees include officers Pavol D., Branislav D., Alzbeta F. from the former National Crime Agency (NAKA), along with Michal S., a prosecutor from the Prosecutor-General's Office. jrg/df