Anti-terror package to become effective without president’s signature

The amendment to the Criminal Code, involving also amendments to several other laws that Parliament reapproved on Monday following a veto by President Andrej Kiska, will become effective as of January even without the president's signature. After Kiska returned the bill, known as the anti-terror package, to Parliament on Monday along with comments, the House overrode his veto later in the day and passed the bill again unchanged. Meanwhile, also on Monday, Kiska did sign into law a constitutional amendment that empowers the police as of January to detain a person who is suspected of crimes linked to terrorism for up to 96 hours, rather than the 48 hours currently in place. In the event of a terrorist threat, the police are to be empowered to adopt necessary measures in public transport or to close off a public area where such an attack may be imminent. In addition, web content will be subject to more stringent oversight.