Corruption Trial of Lawyers in Corrumpere 2 Case Halted After Defence Ends

Banska Bystrica/Bratislava, 28 May (TASR) - The main trial at the Specialised Criminal Court (STS) involving lawyers Alexander F. and Peter J., who were detained in the 2023 police operation Corrumpere 2, had to be adjourned, court spokeperson Iveta Pulman Erdelyiova confirmed to TASR on Thursday. "Today's main hearing did not take place because defendant Alexander F. submitted a notice before the start of the hearing stating that his legal representation by defence lawyers had ended. As this is a case of mandatory defence, the conditions for holding the main hearing were not met. The proceedings were adjourned until the next scheduled hearing date on 4 June," Pulman Erdelyiova explained, adding that the remaining scheduled dates still apply. Both lawyers are facing charges of indirect corruption in the form of participation. Police detained the two lawyers together with doctor identified only as M. L. in September 2023 on suspicion of corruption. "The individuals are accused of having committed corruption offences in the past by arranging the release of persons held in custody who had been remanded during the police operation known under the codename Media, investigated by the National Crime Agency of the Police Corps Presidium between 2017 and 2021," police said at the time. Investigators later filed a motion seeking the lawyers' detention pending trial. However, the STS ruled they would be prosecuted while at liberty, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court. In the past, Alexander F. received a suspended sentence for cooperation with the 'Takacovci' organised crime group. He had also previously been banned from driving for drink-driving. mf