The Tuesday session in the trial of MP and far-right People's Party Our Slovakia (LSNS) leader Marian Kotleba over controversial cheques has been cancelled. "The court cancelled the date of the main trial session because the defendant has excused himself due to being in quarantine in connection with coronavirus-related measures," said Specialised Criminal Court spokesperson Katarina Kudjakova, adding that the session scheduled for September 21 remains in force. Kotleba is in mandatory quarantine after returning from Montenegro, which has been listed among high-risk countries. He was due to stand before the Specialised Criminal Court over controversial cheques in the total amount of €1,488, which were handed out as charity. According to the Special Prosecutor's Office, the number 1488 has significance for extremists, as it's a combination of the numbers 14 (standing for the Fourteen Words of right-wing terrorist David Lane) and 88 (as 'H' is the eighth letter in the alphabet, HH serves as an acronym for the Nazi salute 'Heil Hitler').
When opening the main trial, judge Ružena Sabová said she is considering using tougher qualification rules in judging Kotleba's actions. If she does so, and Kotleba is found guilty, he could be sent to prison for eight years.
