MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Thursday, 6 August 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Wednesday, 5 August): BANSKA BYSTRICA/BRATISLAVA - The Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on Wednesday found Marian K. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons] guilty in the Donovaly and Bac fraud case, TASR learnt on Wednesday. However, the court didn't impose an additional sentence, as Marian K. is already serving a 19-year prison term, which the STS panel considered to be sufficient. Co-defendants Peter P. and Jana S. were given suspended prison sentences and financial penalties. The ruling isn't final. None of the three defendants attended the court to hear the verdict. Peter P. was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for a five-year probationary period, and fined €50,000. Jana S., who initially admitted guilt but later sought to withdraw her plea, a request that was rejected by the court, was also sentenced to three years of imprisonment, suspended for a three-year probationary period, and fined €25,000. Marian K.'s lawyer, Michal Mandzak, has lodged an appeal, as has Andrej Sabik, who represents Peter P. and Jana S. In their closing arguments, the defence lawyers had asked the court to acquit their clients. "I consider this judgment to be clearly incorrect, which is why I've lodged an appeal on behalf of the defendant. The ruling fails to take into account the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and I'm convinced that the case, as brought by the prosecutor, doesn't constitute tax fraud," said Mandzak, adding that he's convinced of his client's innocence. BRATISLAVA - I intend to file a disciplinary complaint with the Supreme Administrative Court (NSS) regarding a possible breach of obligations in connection with the events leading up to the tragic murder of a teacher in the town of Gelnica [Kosice region] in June, Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer-SD) told a press conference on Wednesday, adding that the victim requested information regarding her husband's release during preliminary proceedings in a case that preceded the tragedy but didn't receive this information. The Justice Ministry will also file a criminal complaint and is preparing an appeal to the Supreme Court in response to the findings that the act related to the preceding case was assessed merely as a dangerous threat; however, according to Susko, there are indications that it should also have been assessed as the crime of domestic abuse. On Wednesday, Susko reported on the results of the supervision he had ordered in this case. "The supervision concerns whether the court complied with its procedural obligations towards the victim herself, and whether she received the information to which she was legally entitled," he stated, adding that the ministry is also submitting a legislative amendment to Parliament, which is intended, among other things, to strengthen protective measures. The minister doesn't believe that this case involved a systemic failure, but rather a failure on the part of an individual at several levels. The new legislation is due to be debated in Parliament in September. BRATISLAVA - The opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party on Wednesday alleged that the Interior Ministry is installing Russian-made traffic cameras on the country's roads, describing the move as a serious security risk because the traffic-monitoring system is expected to have access to state databases. PS also questioned how the cameras were procured. The claims were made at a press conference held by MP Jaroslav Spisiak (PS) and the party's security adviser Peter Bator. Bator said the party has compared the devices with products from all major manufacturers, examining the shape of the units, casing, connector placement, cooling fan, optics and the positioning of mounting screws. Based on this analysis, he said, the installed cameras matched a Russian-made product. According to Bator, the same product has technical certification in Croatia and Slovakia. PRESOV - Incumbent governor of Presov self-governing region Milan Majersky will stand for re-election to the post of region chairman, TASR has learnt at his press conference in Presov on Wednesday. Majersky is entering the election with a track record of nine years' work and a plan for the region's further development. He is currently also an MP and leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH). "Nine years ago, we rolled up our sleeves and set about changing our region for the better. Today, we have more than 1,100 kilometres of repaired roads, nearly 300 bridges and numerous investments in schools, health care, social services, culture and our towns and villages. There is still a lot of work ahead of us and further specific goals," said Majersky. According to him, over the past few years the region has invested €45 million in around 7,000 projects in towns and villages. Nearly 2,000 students have taken part in dual education schemes and a further 4,000 have gained work experience in companies. ZAGREB - Slovakia has paid tribute in Croatia to two Slovak soldiers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties as part of the United Nations (UN) UNPROFOR peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia, TASR was told by the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's communications department on Wednesday. The names of Sergeant Major Igor Riga and Platoon Sergeant Vladimir Grman were ceremonially unveiled on Wednesday at the Pobjednik memorial in the Ljubovo area during a commemorative event marking the Croatian public holidays of Victory and Gratitude to the Homeland Day and Croatian Veterans Day. "Peace isn't something to be taken for granted, but a value that we must constantly protect and actively promote. That's precisely why we pay tribute to the courage of the Slovak soldiers who, while serving under the flag of the United Nations, sacrificed their own lives to protect the most vulnerable. Their legacy remains an enduring part of the modern history of the Slovak Republic and underlines the importance of joint efforts to preserve peace and international security," said Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). BRATISLAVA - Experts at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU) recorded a new record air temperature in Slovakia on Wednesday, SHMU spokesperson Ivan Garcar stated on the same day, adding that the data is provisional and is yet to be verified. The temperature reached 41.4 degrees Celsius in the village of Kamenica nad Hronom (Nitra region) on Wednesday afternoon. The previous record was also set in this village in southern Slovakia on 30 June 2026, when the temperature reached 41.3 degrees Celsius. ko