Marián Kotleba pleads not guilty over extremism-related crimes

The trial of leader of the far-right People's Party Our Slovakia Marián Kotleba resumed on Thursday after more than a month's hiatus. Kotleba is on trial for extremism-related crimes linked to the distribution of three charity cheques worth €1,488 in 2017. At the court, Kotleba pleaded not guilty and declined to provide any testimony at this time. Following his plea came the testifying of historian Jakub Drábik, author of the book 'Fascism'. According to the new legal qualification that the judge is considering, Kotleba could be imprisoned for up to eight years. She is considering a more strict assessment of the case, where Kotleba would be responsible for setting up, supporting and promoting a movement leading to restricting basic human rights and freedoms instead of only expressing sympathy for such a movement.