Justice: Prosecutor Drops Charges against Judge Detained in Operation 'Storm'

Bratislava, 11 June (TASR) - Eugen Palasthy, a judge of Bratislava Regional Court, informed Judicial Council chair Marcela Kosova on Thursday that the criminal proceedings against him have been definitively discontinued by prosecutors after they concluded that there were sufficient grounds to determine that he hadn't committed the alleged offence. The prosecution was linked to the Storm corruption case, the Judicial Council's Office told TASR. Kosova said that judges detained in the operation had been "convicted" almost immediately in the eyes of various state officials, senior representatives of the judiciary and many journalists. "The presumption of innocence was erased. For years they weren't allowed to adjudicate on cases, and some are still unable to do so," she said, adding that none of the accused judges has, to date, been finally convicted following the presentation of evidence before a court. Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer-SD) said in a video posted on social media that no amendment to the Criminal Code or legislative change has contributed to the outcome of Palasthy's case. "He faced criminal prosecution for six years, was held in custody, lost the ability to perform his judicial duties, lost his good name and his peace of mind," said Susko. According to the minister, it is essential to continue emphasising the principle of the presumption of innocence. The police's Operation Storm took place in the early hours of 11 March 2020. It was preceded by charges filed on 9 March 2020 against 13 judges, one former judge and four other individuals, mainly for alleged offences including bribery, accepting bribes and interfering with the independence of the judiciary. mf/df