STS: Trial in Purgatory Case Begins, All Defendants Present (2)

Banska Bystrica, 11 May (TASR) - The Specialised Criminal Court (STS) in Banska Bystrica on Monday commenced a high-profile trial in the Purgatory case concerning suspicions that former top police and security forces officials set up and operated a criminal group between 2012 and 2018. All of the ten defendants appeared in court, including Nitra-based businessman Norbert B., current House Vice-chair and former police chief (2012-18) Tibor G. and former special prosecutor Dusan K. [names abbreviated due to legal reasons]. In addition, former Financial Administration chief Frantisek I. and high-ranking officials of the now-defunct National Crime Agency (NAKA) Peter H., Marian Z., Robert K., Bernard S., Milan M. and businessman Boris T. took their seats in the dock. They are charged with setting up, orchestrating and supporting a criminal group, bribery and accepting bribes, and abusing public office. According to the indictment, the group was allegedly masterminded by Norbert B. Several of the defendants have publicly denied the charges on multiple occasions, labelling the trial politically motivated. Before the hearing, Tibor G. told the media that he expects a lawful and fair trial. "I've been saying for a long time that I'll be glad when this case is finally clarified in full, and the sooner the better," he said, adding that he's ready to testify if asked to do so. Tibor G. is being represented by his attorney Marek Para, who is also representing Norbert B., Marian Z., Milan M. and Robert K. in court. Defence lawyer Peter Kubina, who represents former high-ranking police official Bernard S., said that his client's position regarding the indictment and the criminal prosecution hasn't changed since the pre-trial proceedings, so their course of action will correspond to that. "This means that he admits guilt in five counts and denies it in the sixth. It's been that way from the start; nothing has changed. No sensations or dramatic U-turns can be expected," stated Kubina. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final four paragraphs jrg/df