Embassy Events
Embassy “Disappointed” with Ruling to Eliminate Special Court for Corruption Cases
 |
| Embassy’s Political Counselor Susan Ball criticizes ruling on Special Court. Photo: TV Markíza. |
In a statement released May 20, the Embassy expressed its concern with a ruling by the Slovak Constitutional Court to close down the Special Court established to try cases of corruption. “While we respect fully the decision of the Slovak Constitutional Court,” reads the Embassy’s statement, “we were very disappointed that Slovakia has apparently lost an important institution in a fight against corruption and organized crime with today’s decision.” Slovakia's Special Court, set up to adjudicate state corruption and organized crime cases, had already sentenced one former mayor for receiving bribes and jailed an eastern Slovak underworld figure, among other decisions. Slovakia’s Constitutional Court ruled on May 20 that the Special Court was unconstitutional, but did not invalidate verdicts issued by that court. The Special Court, established in 2003 and trying about 80 cases per year, has been praised by many analysts as an effective tool for dealing with organized criminal groups. Last year former Ambassador Obsitnik said: “I want to commend [President of the Special Court Michal Truban] for the excellent work that the Special Court is doing. I think it’s very important for Slovak society, and it’s very important that corruption be fought at every level — both official high corruption as well as low corruption.” Political Counselor Susan Ball also reiterated the Embassy’s position to TV Markiza on May 21.
