STS: Trial in Purgatory Case Continues with Testimony of Bernard S.

Banska Bystrica, 20 July (TASR) - The main trial in the Purgatory case, involving allegations concerning the formation and operation of a criminal group within the highest ranks of the police and security bodies between 2012-2018, was resumed at the Specialised Criminal Court (STS) in Banska Bystrica on Monday. Ex-head of Financial Police national unit Bernard S., who is also defendant in the case, is giving testimony on Monday. The high-profile trial in the Purgatory case started at STS on 11 May and was adjourned on the very same day without the prosecutor even reading out the indictment. It was adjourned due to a procedural motion from former special prosecutor Dusan K.'s defence team requesting that the indictment should be joined with a different case involving former police officer Roman S. [names abbreviated due to legal reasons]. Defendants in the Purgatory case include Nitra businessman Norbert B., current House Vice-chair and ex-president of Police Corps Tibor G., former special prosecutor Dusan K., former Financial Administration chief Frantisek I., high-ranking officials of the now-defunct National Crime Agency (NAKA) Peter H., Marian Z., Robert K., Milan M. and ex-police officer Roman S. 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, describing the trial as politically motivated. ko