100 Personalities against Anti-terror Package

Meanwhile, a hundred known personalities are urging President Andrej Kiska not to sign into law the package of anti-terrorism measures that the House approved last week. Undersigned are, for example, sociologist Fedor Gal, psychiatrist Jozef Hasto, political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov, musician Lucia Piussi and visual artist Rudolf Sikora. According to the appeal, it's unacceptable that the impingement on fundamental freedoms and the boosting of powers of law enforcement bodies should have been decided without the involvement of the public and in a fast-track legislative procedure. The activists also dislike the idea that the legal changes have been approved during the election campaign. The personalities are also concerned about potential misuses of the authority granted for purposes that have nothing to do with the fight against terrorism. Drawn up with dispatch in response to the series of attacks in Paris on November 13, the anti-terrorism laws grants police, prosecutor's offices, courts and intelligence services new powers as of January. Amongst the legislative changes, Parliament gave courts the authority to remand in custody a person charged with a criminal offence linked to terrorism - without formally stipulating the reason for doing so. Those suspected of terrorism may in justified cases be placed in custody for as long as five years. Police officers will also have more powers in road checks and car inspections. In the event of a terrorist threat, police will have the power to adopt necessary measures in public transportation or to close off a public area where such an attack may be imminent. As well, web content will be subject to more stringent oversight.