Former economy minister released from custody

The Bratislava Regional Court on Tuesday released from custody Pavol R., former economy minister and erstwhile general director of the private television channel Markiza, who is being investigated for ordering the murder of his business associate Sylvia Volzová. The regional court thus annulled a previous decision made by a district court, which last month placed Pavol R. in custody due to concerns that he could attempt to influence witnesses. Pavol R. will have to announce to the authorities his whereabouts and was ordered to hand in his passport within 24 hours after his release. He will also be supervised by electronic locators, said regional court spokesman Pavol Adamčiak. It's been alleged that the investigation was initiated based on a criminal complaint lodged by former Banská Bystrica crime boss Mikuláš Černák, who is currently serving a life sentence for other murders.